Manchester City's manager Expresses Regret Over Broadcast Crew Incident Following Loss to Newcastle
The City boss confessed experiencing "embarrassment" after an exchange with a TV crew member in the wake of Manchester City's loss away to the Magpies on Saturday.
When the match concluded, an emotional Guardiola stepped onto the field and engaged in intense talks with the referee, Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the headphones of the camera operator.
"I said sorry," the manager remarked. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, looking back. I don’t like it. I apologised after one second to the operator. I am who I am. After 1,000 games I’m not a perfect person, I make huge mistakes."
"What is for sure, I defend any team and my club, without a doubt. Why I want to defend my team is clear – because from my experience to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, high nineties, otherwise we don’t win it."
Team Standing and Guardiola's Assessment
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. "Technically, we can still achieve all."
When questioned if this meant the quadruple could be achieved, he responded: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk about the quadruple last winter during our historic run? Never."
Exchange with Bruno
On the subject of his talk with Guimarães, the coach explained: "We have known Bruno a long time and post-match, even at the Etihad, we talk in the tunnel. Our paths always cross 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 should a rival coach addressed his squad immediately after a game. "Not if you talk with respect like I always have done, it's fine," he noted, mentioning the referee. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. Goodness, very much so."
Debatable Calls
City were unhappy that the officials did not award City a penalty on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, while they also questioned Bruno's positioning when Harvey Barnes scored Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Subsequent images indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Upcoming Milestone
He will manage of his 100th Champions League game versus Leverkusen on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, showing we compete we have been there," he commented.
The club has ten points from four matches of the league phase, while Leverkusen have five.