Pep Guardiola Voices Remorse Over Broadcast Crew Incident Following Loss to Magpies

Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" following a confrontation with a camera operator in the wake of the Citizens' loss at Newcastle this past weekend.

When the match concluded, 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, and also touched the broadcast crew's equipment.

"I apologised," the manager remarked. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, looking back. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. I am who I am. With a thousand matches under my belt I’m not a perfect person, errors happen."

"What is for sure, I defend any team and my club, without a doubt. The reason why I want to defend my team is no doubt – because from my experience to clinch the title we have to do 100 points, 98 points, otherwise we don’t win it."

City's Position and Guardiola's Assessment

City are third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points following their fourth loss this campaign. "Losing four games out of 12 means we must do better," 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 discuss four trophies in December when we won the quadruple? Never."

Exchange with Bruno

Regarding his confrontation with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "I've known him a long time and post-match, home or away, we converse. Our paths always cross and we get along well. I love it. I'm passionate, I love to talk and move my hands."

Guardiola would not be concerned should a rival coach spoke to his players immediately after a game. "Not if it's respectful as I do, it’s not a problem," he noted, mentioning the referee. "The referee was involved throughout the match, he was involved. My God, very much so."

Debatable Calls

City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR did not award City a penalty on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, and doubted if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal the decisive strike. Subsequent images indicate the Brazilian was onside.

Next Big Match

He will manage his century in Europe versus Leverkusen on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, it means that every season we have been there," he commented.

City have 10 points from four matches of the league phase, while Leverkusen have five.