Manchester City's manager Voices Remorse Over Broadcast Crew Altercation Following Loss to Newcastle
The City boss confessed feeling "shame" after a confrontation with a TV crew member in the wake of Manchester City's loss away to the Magpies this past weekend.
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, and also touched the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I apologised," the manager remarked. "I'm humiliated, regretful, when I see it. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. That's just me. After 1,000 games I’m not a perfect person, errors happen."
"One thing is certain, I defend any team and my club, without a doubt. The reason why I support my squad is no doubt – because from my experience to clinch the title we have to do 100 points, 98 points, or we fall short."
City's Position and Manager's Take
The team sits in third and are seven behind the Gunners after what was their fourth league defeat this campaign. "Losing four games out of 12 we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."
The manager was asked about a potential quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "As a seasoned reporter, have you ever heard me discuss four trophies in December when we won the quadruple? No."
Interaction with Guimarães
On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, Guardiola said: "We have known Bruno a long time and every time after the game, even at the Etihad, we converse. We often meet and we get along well. I love it. I’m an emotional guy, I like discussing and move my hands."
He wouldn't mind should a rival coach addressed his squad right after the final whistle. "Not if you talk with respect as I do, it's fine," he said, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved throughout the match, constantly. Goodness, very much so."
Debatable Calls
The team felt aggrieved that the officials denied a spot-kick for a Fabian Schär challenge against Foden, while they also questioned if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Pictures published later indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Upcoming Milestone
Guardiola will take charge his century in Europe versus Leverkusen on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, it means that every season annually," he commented.
The club has ten points from four matches in the group, while Leverkusen have five.
