Manchester City's manager Expresses Regret Over Broadcast Crew Altercation Following Loss to Newcastle

Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" after a confrontation with a camera operator subsequent to the Citizens' 2-1 defeat at Newcastle on Saturday.

At full time, a visibly upset Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch 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," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. I don’t like it. I immediately apologized to the operator. I am who I am. After 1,000 games I'm far from perfect, I make huge mistakes."

"What is for sure, I stand by my team and club, that’s for sure. The reason why I support my squad is clear – based on my career to win the Premier League we have to do 100 points, 98 points, otherwise we don’t win it."

Team Standing and Manager's Take

The team sits in third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points after what was their fourth league defeat this campaign. "Losing four games out of 12 means we must do better," Guardiola admitted. "Technically, we can still achieve all."

The manager was asked about a potential quadruple could be achieved, he responded: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk about the quadruple in December when we won the quadruple? No."

Exchange with Bruno

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

Guardiola would not be concerned if an opposition manager spoke to his players immediately after a game. "Not if you talk with respect like I always have done, it's fine," he noted, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved throughout the match, he was involved. My God, he was involved."

Controversial Decisions

The team felt aggrieved that Barrott or the VAR denied a spot-kick for a Fabian Schär challenge on Phil Foden, and doubted Bruno's positioning when Harvey Barnes scored the decisive strike. Subsequent images indicate the Brazilian was onside.

Upcoming Milestone

Guardiola will take charge of his 100th Champions League game versus Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, it means that every season we have been there," he said.

City have 10 points after four games of the league phase, while Leverkusen have five.

Katherine Mcintosh
Katherine Mcintosh

Elara is a seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience in international reporting and storytelling.