Manchester City's manager Expresses Regret Over Camera Operator Incident Following Loss to Magpies
The City boss confessed feeling "shame" following an exchange with a camera operator subsequent to the Citizens' loss away to the Magpies this past weekend.
At full time, an emotional Guardiola stepped onto the field and engaged in intense talks with match official Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I apologised," the manager remarked. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, looking back. It's not acceptable. I apologised after one second to the cameraman. That's just me. With a thousand matches under my belt I'm far from perfect, errors happen."
"One thing is certain, I defend any team and my club, that’s for sure. The reason why I support my squad is clear – based on my career to win the Premier League we need near-perfect totals, high nineties, otherwise we don’t win it."
City's Position 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 we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Technically, we can still achieve all."
The manager was asked about a potential quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies in December during our historic run? Never."
Interaction with Guimarães
On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, Guardiola said: "I've known him a long time and every time after the game, even at the Etihad, we converse. We often meet and I always have a good relationship. I enjoy it. I'm passionate, I like discussing and gesticulate."
Guardiola would not be concerned if an opposition manager spoke to his players right after the final whistle. "No - as long as it's respectful like I always have done, it’s not a problem," he noted, before referencing Barrott. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. My God, he was involved."
Controversial Decisions
City were unhappy that the officials denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle against Foden, while they also questioned if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Subsequent images indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Next Big Match
He will manage his century in Europe versus Leverkusen this week. "It’s quite good, showing we compete annually," he said.
The club has ten points after four games in the group, while Leverkusen have five.
