Manchester City's manager Voices Remorse Over Broadcast Crew Incident Following Defeat to Magpies
The City boss confessed feeling "shame" after an exchange with a TV crew member subsequent to the Citizens' 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies this past weekend.
At full time, an emotional Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and engaged in intense talks with the referee, Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the headphones of the camera operator.
"I said sorry," the manager remarked. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. It's not acceptable. I apologised after one second to the cameraman. I am who I am. 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. 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, 98 points, or we fall short."
Team Standing 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. "Four defeats in twelve matches means we must do better," he conceded. "Technically, we can still achieve all."
The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies in December during our historic run? No."
Interaction with Guimarães
On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, 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 passionate, I love to talk and gesticulate."
Guardiola would not be concerned if an opposition manager spoke to his players right after the final whistle. "Not if it's respectful as I do, it's fine," he said, mentioning the referee. "The referee was involved throughout the match, he was involved. Goodness, very much so."
Debatable Calls
City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR did not award City a penalty on a Schär tackle against Foden, and doubted Bruno's positioning when Harvey Barnes scored the decisive strike. Pictures published later indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Upcoming Milestone
He will manage his century in Europe versus Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, showing we compete annually," he said.
The club has ten points after four games in the group, while Leverkusen have five.
