Pep Guardiola Voices Remorse Over Broadcast Crew Altercation Following Defeat to Magpies
Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" after an exchange with a TV crew member 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 had heated discussions with match official Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I apologised," the manager remarked. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the operator. That's just me. After 1,000 games I'm far from perfect, errors happen."
"What is for sure, I stand by my team and club, that’s for sure. Why I support my squad is no doubt – based on my career to clinch the title we have to do 100 points, high nineties, otherwise we don’t win it."
Team Standing and Guardiola's Assessment
The team sits in third and are seven behind the Gunners after what was their fourth league defeat of the season. "Four defeats in twelve matches we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible still achieve all."
When questioned if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, have you ever heard me about the quadruple in December during our historic run? Never."
Exchange with Bruno
Regarding his confrontation with Guimarães, the coach explained: "We have known Bruno for many years and post-match, home or away, we talk in the tunnel. We often meet and I always have a good relationship. I love it. I’m an emotional guy, I like discussing and gesticulate."
He wouldn't mind should a rival coach addressed his squad immediately after a game. "No - as long as it's respectful like I always have done, it’s not a problem," he noted, mentioning the referee. "The referee was involved throughout the match, constantly. Goodness, he was involved."
Debatable Calls
The team felt aggrieved that the officials did not award City a penalty for a Fabian Schär challenge on Phil Foden, while they also questioned if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal the decisive strike. Pictures published later indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Upcoming Milestone
He will manage his century in Europe versus Leverkusen on Tuesday. "That's impressive, it means that every season annually," he commented.
City have 10 points from four matches of the league phase, while Leverkusen have five.