Pep Guardiola Expresses Regret Over Broadcast Crew Altercation Following Loss to Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" following an exchange with a TV crew member in the wake of the Citizens' 2-1 defeat at Newcastle this past weekend.
When the match concluded, a visibly upset Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and had heated discussions with the referee, Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the headphones of the camera operator.
"I said sorry," the manager remarked. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. It's not acceptable. I apologised after one second to the operator. I am who I am. After 1,000 games I'm far from perfect, I make huge mistakes."
"One thing is certain, I defend any team and my club, without a doubt. Why I want to defend my team is clear – because from my experience to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, high nineties, or we fall short."
Team Standing and Guardiola's Assessment
The team sits in third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points following their fourth loss of the season. "Losing four games out of 12 we have to improve a lot," Guardiola admitted. "Mathematically, it’s possible still achieve all."
The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple could be achieved, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies last winter when we won the quadruple? No."
Exchange with Bruno
On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, Guardiola said: "We have known Bruno a long time and every time after the game, even at the Etihad, we talk in the tunnel. We often meet and I always have a good relationship. I enjoy it. I’m an emotional guy, I like discussing and gesticulate."
He wouldn't mind should a rival coach spoke to his players right after the final whistle. "Not if it's respectful as I do, it's fine," he noted, mentioning the referee. "The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. My God, very much so."
Controversial Decisions
The team felt aggrieved that Barrott or the VAR denied a spot-kick for a Fabian Schär challenge on Phil Foden, while they also questioned if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Pictures published later show he was level.
Next Big Match
He will manage his century in Europe versus Leverkusen on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, showing we compete annually," he said.
The club has ten points after four games of the league phase, and Leverkusen hold five.
