Pep Guardiola Voices Regret Over Broadcast Crew Altercation Following Defeat to Newcastle

Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" after an exchange with a camera operator in the wake of Manchester City's 2-1 defeat at Newcastle this past weekend.

When the match concluded, an emotional Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and had heated discussions with the referee, Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the headphones of the camera operator.

"I apologised," the manager remarked. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. That's just me. With a thousand matches under my belt I’m not a perfect person, I make huge mistakes."

"One thing is certain, I stand by my team and club, without a doubt. Why I support my squad is clear – because from my experience to win the Premier League we need near-perfect totals, 98 points, or we fall short."

City's Position and Manager's Take

City are third and are seven behind the Gunners following their fourth loss this campaign. "Losing four games out of 12 we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."

The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies last winter when we won the quadruple? Never."

Exchange with Bruno

On the subject of his talk with Guimarães, Guardiola said: "We have known Bruno for many years and every time after the game, even at the Etihad, 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 gesticulate."

Guardiola would not be concerned should a rival coach 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, before referencing Barrott. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, 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 Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Subsequent images show he was level.

Upcoming Milestone

He will manage his century in Europe versus Leverkusen on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, showing we compete annually," he said.

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

Wayne Hall
Wayne Hall

Wildlife biologist and conservationist with over a decade of experience studying sloths in Central and South America.