Pep Guardiola Voices Regret Over Camera Operator Altercation Following Defeat to Magpies

Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" after a confrontation with a camera operator in the wake of Manchester City's loss at Newcastle on Saturday.

At full time, an emotional Guardiola stepped onto the field and had heated discussions with match official Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the broadcast crew's equipment.

"I said sorry," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, looking back. It's not acceptable. I apologised after one second to the operator. That's just me. After 1,000 games I'm far from perfect, errors happen."

"One thing is certain, I defend any team and my club, without a doubt. The reason why I support my squad is clear – because from my experience to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, 98 points, otherwise we don’t win it."

City's Position and Guardiola's Assessment

City are third and are seven behind the Gunners following their fourth loss of the season. "Losing four games out of 12 means we must do better," he conceded. "Technically, we can still achieve all."

When questioned if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk about the quadruple in December during our historic run? No."

Interaction with Guimarães

On the subject of his talk with Guimarães, the coach explained: "We have known Bruno a long time and every time after the game, home or away, we talk in the tunnel. Our paths always cross and we get along well. I enjoy it. I’m an emotional guy, I love to talk and move my hands."

Guardiola would not be concerned should a rival coach 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. Goodness, very much so."

Controversial Decisions

City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR did not award City a penalty for a Fabian Schär challenge against Foden, and doubted if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal the decisive strike. Pictures published later show he was level.

Upcoming Milestone

He will manage of his 100th Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "That's impressive, it means that every season we have been there," he commented.

The club has ten points after four games of the league phase, and Leverkusen hold five.

Sarah Rios
Sarah Rios

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