Manchester City's manager Voices Regret Over Camera Operator Incident Following Defeat to Magpies
The City boss confessed feeling "shame" after an exchange with a camera operator subsequent to Manchester City's 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies on Saturday.
When the match concluded, a visibly upset Guardiola stepped onto the field and had heated discussions with the referee, Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the operator. That's just me. With a thousand matches under my belt I'm far from perfect, errors happen."
"One thing is certain, I defend any team and my club, without a doubt. The reason why I want to defend my team is no doubt – because from my experience to clinch the title we have to do 100 points, high nineties, or we fall short."
City's Position and Guardiola's Assessment
The team sits in third and are seven behind the Gunners after what was their fourth league defeat this campaign. "Four defeats in twelve matches we have to improve a lot," Guardiola admitted. "Technically, we can to win everything."
The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk about the quadruple last winter when we won the quadruple? No."
Interaction with Guimarães
Regarding his confrontation with the Newcastle player, Guardiola said: "I've known him for many years and post-match, even at the Etihad, we converse. Our paths always cross and we get along well. I enjoy it. I’m an emotional guy, I like discussing and move my hands."
He wouldn't mind if an opposition manager addressed his squad right after the final whistle. "No - as long as you talk with respect like I always have done, it’s not a problem," he noted, before referencing Barrott. "He was part of it throughout the match, constantly. My God, very much so."
Debatable Calls
The team felt aggrieved that the officials did not award City a penalty for a Fabian Schär challenge against Foden, while they also questioned if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Subsequent images show he was level.
Upcoming Milestone
He will manage his century in Europe versus Leverkusen this week. "It’s quite good, showing we compete annually," he said.
The club has ten points after four games in the group, and Leverkusen hold five.
