Manchester City's manager Voices 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 this past weekend.
When the match concluded, an emotional Guardiola stepped onto the field and had heated discussions with the referee, Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, and also touched 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 operator. That's just me. After 1,000 games I’m not a perfect person, errors happen."
"What is for sure, I stand by my team and club, without a doubt. Why I want to defend my team is clear – based on my career to win the Premier League we need near-perfect totals, high nineties, or we fall short."
Team Standing and Manager's Take
City are third and are seven behind the Gunners following their fourth loss of the season. "Four defeats in twelve matches we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Technically, we can still achieve all."
The manager was asked about a potential quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk about the quadruple in December when we won the quadruple? No."
Exchange with Bruno
On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "I've known him for many years 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 passionate, I like discussing and move my hands."
Guardiola would not be concerned if an opposition manager addressed his squad right after the final whistle. "No - as long as it's respectful like I always have done, it’s not a problem," he said, mentioning the referee. "The referee was involved throughout the match, constantly. My God, very much so."
Controversial Decisions
The team felt aggrieved that Barrott or the VAR denied a spot-kick for a Fabian Schär challenge on Phil Foden, and doubted Bruno's positioning on Barnes' goal Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Pictures published later show he was level.
Next Big Match
Guardiola will take charge his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "That's impressive, showing we compete we have been there," he commented.
City have 10 points from four matches in the group, while Leverkusen have five.
