Manchester City's manager Voices Regret Over Broadcast Crew Altercation Following Loss to Newcastle
The City boss confessed experiencing "embarrassment" following an exchange with a TV crew member subsequent to the Citizens' loss away to the Magpies on Saturday.
At full time, a visibly upset Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and had heated discussions with match official Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I said sorry," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, looking back. I don’t like it. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. I am who I am. After 1,000 games I'm far from perfect, errors happen."
"One thing is certain, I defend any team and my club, that’s for sure. Why I want to defend my team is clear – based on my career to win the Premier League we have to do 100 points, high nineties, otherwise we don’t win it."
City's Position and Guardiola's Assessment
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," Guardiola admitted. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."
The manager was asked about a potential quadruple could be achieved, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, have you ever heard me discuss four trophies last winter when we won the quadruple? No."
Exchange with Bruno
Regarding his confrontation with Guimarães, the coach explained: "I've known him a long time and post-match, home or away, 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."
Guardiola would not be concerned should a rival coach spoke to his players immediately after a game. "No - as long as you talk with respect like I always have done, it’s not a problem," he said, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. Goodness, very much so."
Controversial Decisions
City were unhappy that the officials did not award City a penalty on a Schär tackle against Foden, while they also questioned if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal the decisive strike. Pictures published later show he was level.
Upcoming Milestone
Guardiola will take charge of his 100th Champions League game versus Leverkusen on Tuesday. "That's impressive, showing we compete we have been there," he said.
City have 10 points from four matches in the group, and Leverkusen hold five.
