Manchester City's manager Expresses Remorse Over Camera Operator Altercation Following Loss to Magpies
The City boss confessed experiencing "embarrassment" after an exchange with a camera operator subsequent to Manchester City's 2-1 defeat at Newcastle this past weekend.
At full time, an emotional Guardiola stepped onto the field and had heated discussions with match official Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno GuimarĂŁes, while also handling the headphones of the camera operator.
"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, looking back. It's not acceptable. I apologised after one second to the operator. That's just me. With a thousand matches under my belt 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 no doubt – because from my experience to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, 98 points, otherwise we don’t win it."
Team Standing and Manager's Take
The team sits in third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points following their fourth loss this campaign. "Losing four games out of 12 we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."
When questioned if this meant the quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, have you ever heard me discuss four trophies in December when we won the quadruple? No."
Interaction with GuimarĂŁes
On the subject of his talk with GuimarĂŁes, the coach explained: "I've known him for many years and post-match, even at the Etihad, we talk in the tunnel. We often meet and I always have a good relationship. I enjoy it. I'm passionate, I love to talk and move my hands."
He wouldn't mind if an opposition manager spoke to his players right after the final whistle. "Not if you talk with respect as I do, it's fine," he noted, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved throughout the match, he was involved. My God, he was involved."
Controversial Decisions
The team felt aggrieved that the officials did not award City a penalty on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, and doubted Bruno's positioning on Barnes' goal Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Pictures published later show he was level.
Upcoming Milestone
He will manage his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, showing we compete annually," he commented.
City have 10 points from four matches in the group, while Leverkusen have five.
