Manchester City's manager Expresses Remorse Over Camera Operator Altercation Following Loss to Newcastle
The City boss confessed feeling "shame" following a confrontation with a camera operator in the wake of the Citizens' loss at Newcastle this past weekend.
When the match concluded, an emotional Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and had heated discussions with the referee, Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the headphones of the camera operator.
"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. I don’t like it. I apologised after one second to the operator. I am who I am. With a thousand matches under my belt I’m not a perfect person, I make huge mistakes."
"What is for sure, I defend any team and my club, that’s for sure. Why I want to defend my team is no doubt – based on my career to win the Premier League we have to do 100 points, 98 points, or we fall short."
City's Position and Manager's Take
The team sits in third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points after what was their fourth league defeat of the season. "Losing four games out of 12 means we must do better," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."
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 in December during our historic run? Never."
Exchange with Bruno
On the subject of his talk with Guimarães, the coach explained: "We have known Bruno a long time and every time after the game, home or away, we converse. We often meet and we get along well. I love it. I’m an emotional guy, I love to talk and move my hands."
Guardiola would not be concerned if an opposition manager addressed his squad immediately after a game. "No - as long as you talk with respect as I do, it's fine," he noted, mentioning the referee. "The referee was involved throughout the match, he was involved. Goodness, very much so."
Controversial Decisions
The team felt aggrieved that Barrott or the VAR denied a spot-kick for a Fabian Schär challenge against Foden, while they also questioned Bruno's positioning when Harvey Barnes scored the decisive strike. Subsequent images indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Next Big Match
Guardiola will take charge his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "That's impressive, showing we compete annually," he said.
City have 10 points after four games in the group, while Leverkusen have five.
