Manchester City's manager Voices Remorse Over Broadcast Crew Altercation Following Loss to Newcastle
The City boss confessed feeling "shame" after a confrontation with a camera operator subsequent to Manchester City's loss at Newcastle on Saturday.
When the match concluded, an emotional Guardiola stepped onto the field and had heated discussions with match official Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I said sorry," Guardiola stated. "I'm humiliated, regretful, when I see it. I don’t like it. I apologised after one second to the cameraman. I am who I am. With a thousand matches under my belt I’m not a perfect person, I make huge mistakes."
"One thing is certain, I stand by my team and club, without a doubt. The reason why I want to defend my team is clear – based on my career to clinch the title we have to do 100 points, high nineties, otherwise we don’t win it."
Team Standing and Manager's Take
City are third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points following their fourth loss this campaign. "Losing four games out of 12 means we must do better," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."
When questioned if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies last winter during our historic run? No."
Exchange with Bruno
On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "I've known him a long time and post-match, home or away, we talk in the tunnel. We often meet and I always have a good relationship. I love it. I’m an emotional guy, I love to talk and gesticulate."
He wouldn't mind if an opposition manager spoke to his players immediately after a game. "No - as long as you talk with respect like I always have done, it’s not a problem," he noted, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved throughout the match, constantly. My God, very much so."
Debatable Calls
The team felt aggrieved that Barrott or the VAR did not award City a penalty for a Fabian Schär challenge against Foden, and doubted Bruno's positioning when Harvey Barnes scored Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Pictures published later show he was level.
Next Big Match
He will manage of his 100th Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, showing we compete annually," he said.
City have 10 points from four matches of the league phase, and Leverkusen hold five.
