Manchester City's manager Expresses Regret Over Camera Operator Incident Following Loss to Magpies
The City boss confessed experiencing "embarrassment" following an exchange with a camera operator in the wake of Manchester City's 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies this past weekend.
At full time, an emotional Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and engaged in intense talks with match official Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I said sorry," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. I don’t like it. I apologised after one second to the cameraman. That's just me. After 1,000 games I’m not a perfect person, errors happen."
"One thing is certain, I stand by my team and club, without a doubt. Why I support my squad is no doubt – because from my experience to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, 98 points, or we fall short."
Team Standing and Manager's Take
City are third and are seven behind the Gunners after what was their fourth league defeat this campaign. "Four defeats in twelve matches we have to improve a lot," Guardiola admitted. "Mathematically, it’s possible 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 about the quadruple in December when we won the quadruple? Never."
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 converse. Our paths always cross and I always have a good relationship. I love it. I’m an emotional guy, I like discussing and move my hands."
He wouldn't mind should a rival coach spoke to his players right after the final whistle. "Not if you talk with respect like I always have done, it’s not a problem," he said, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. Goodness, he was involved."
Controversial Decisions
The team felt aggrieved that the officials denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle against Foden, and doubted if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Pictures published later indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Next Big Match
He will manage his century in Europe versus Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, showing we compete annually," he said.
City have 10 points from four matches of the league phase, while Leverkusen have five.
