Manchester City's manager Voices Remorse Over Broadcast Crew Incident Following Loss to Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" after an exchange with a TV crew member subsequent to Manchester City's loss away to the Magpies on Saturday.
At full time, a visibly upset Guardiola stepped onto the field and engaged in intense talks with the referee, Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I apologised," the manager remarked. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. 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, errors happen."
"What is for sure, I stand by my team and club, without a doubt. Why I want to defend my team is no doubt – because from my experience to win the Premier League 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 trail leaders Arsenal by seven points following their fourth loss of the season. "Four defeats in twelve matches we have to improve a lot," Guardiola admitted. "Technically, we can still achieve all."
The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "As a seasoned reporter, have you ever heard me about the quadruple last winter when we won the quadruple? Never."
Interaction with Guimarães
On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "I've known him for many years and every time after the game, even at the Etihad, we converse. Our paths always cross and I always have a good relationship. I love it. I’m an emotional guy, I like discussing and gesticulate."
He wouldn't mind should a rival coach spoke to his players immediately after a game. "Not if it's respectful like I always have done, it's fine," he said, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. My God, he was involved."
Controversial Decisions
City were unhappy that the officials denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, while they also questioned Bruno's positioning when Harvey Barnes scored the decisive strike. Pictures published later indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Next Big Match
Guardiola will take charge his century in Europe versus Leverkusen on Tuesday. "That's impressive, showing we compete annually," he said.
The club has ten points from four matches of the league phase, while Leverkusen have five.