Pep Guardiola Expresses Regret Over Camera Operator Altercation Following Loss to Magpies

The City boss confessed experiencing "embarrassment" following an exchange with a TV crew member in the wake of Manchester City's loss away to the Magpies this past weekend.

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 apologised," the manager remarked. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. I don’t like it. I apologised after one second to the operator. I am who I am. With a thousand matches under my belt I'm far from perfect, I make huge mistakes."

"One thing is certain, I stand by my team and 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, 98 points, otherwise we don’t win it."

Team Standing and Guardiola's Assessment

City are third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points following their fourth loss this campaign. "Four defeats in twelve matches we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible still achieve all."

When questioned about a potential quadruple was a realistic aim, 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 the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "We have known Bruno a long time and every time after the game, even at the Etihad, we converse. We often meet and I always have a good relationship. I love it. I'm passionate, I like discussing and gesticulate."

Guardiola would not be concerned if an opposition manager 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 for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. Goodness, very much so."

Debatable Calls

City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, while they also questioned Bruno's positioning on Barnes' goal Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Pictures published later show he was level.

Next Big Match

He will manage his century in Europe versus Leverkusen on Tuesday. "That's impressive, showing we compete annually," he commented.

City have 10 points from four matches in the group, while Leverkusen have five.