Manchester City's manager Voices Regret Over Camera Operator Altercation Following Loss to Newcastle
The City boss confessed feeling "shame" following an exchange with a camera operator in the wake of 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 headphones of the camera operator.
"I apologised," the manager remarked. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. I don’t like it. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. That's just me. With a thousand matches under my belt I’m not a perfect person, errors happen."
"One thing is certain, I defend any team and my club, without a doubt. Why I want to defend my team is clear – because from my experience to win the Premier League we need near-perfect totals, 98 points, otherwise we don’t win it."
City's Position and Manager's Take
The team sits in third and are seven behind the Gunners following their fourth loss of the season. "Losing four games out of 12 we have to improve a lot," Guardiola admitted. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."
The manager was asked about a potential quadruple was a realistic aim, Guardiola answered: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies last winter when we won the quadruple? Never."
Exchange with Bruno
On the subject of his talk with Guimarães, Guardiola said: "I've known him for many years and post-match, even at the Etihad, we converse. Our paths always cross and I always have a good relationship. I enjoy it. I'm passionate, I love to talk and gesticulate."
He wouldn't mind should a rival coach addressed his squad right after the final whistle. "Not if you talk with respect like I always have done, it’s not a problem," he said, mentioning the referee. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. My God, he was involved."
Controversial Decisions
The team felt aggrieved that Barrott or the VAR denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle against Foden, and doubted if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Subsequent images show he was level.
Next Big Match
He will manage of his 100th Champions League game versus Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, showing we compete annually," he commented.
City have 10 points from four matches in the group, and Leverkusen hold five.
