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

Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" after an exchange with a TV crew member subsequent to the Citizens' loss at Newcastle on Saturday.

When the match concluded, a visibly upset Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and had heated discussions with the referee, Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the broadcast crew's equipment.

"I said sorry," the manager remarked. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, looking back. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. That's just me. With a thousand matches under my belt I'm far from perfect, I make huge mistakes."

"What is for sure, I defend any team and my club, that’s for sure. Why I want to defend my team is clear – because from my experience to clinch the title we have to do 100 points, high nineties, or we fall short."

Team Standing and Guardiola's Assessment

City are third and are seven behind the Gunners after what was their fourth league defeat of the season. "Losing four games out of 12 we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible still achieve all."

The manager was asked about a potential quadruple could be achieved, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, have you ever heard me discuss four trophies last winter during our historic run? No."

Exchange with Bruno

Regarding his confrontation with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "We have known Bruno a long time and post-match, home or away, we talk in the tunnel. We often meet and we get along well. I love it. I’m an emotional guy, I like discussing and move my hands."

Guardiola would not be concerned if an opposition manager spoke to his players right after the final whistle. "No - as long as you talk with respect like I always have done, it’s not a problem," he noted, mentioning the referee. "The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. My God, he was involved."

Debatable Calls

City were unhappy 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. "It’s quite good, showing we compete we have been there," he said.

The club has ten points after four games in the group, while Leverkusen have five.

Crystal Cunningham
Crystal Cunningham

A seasoned business strategist with over a decade of experience in global market analysis and innovation consulting.