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

Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" following an exchange with a camera operator subsequent to the Citizens' 2-1 defeat 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 match official Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the headphones of the camera operator.

"I said sorry," the manager remarked. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, looking back. It's not acceptable. I apologised after one second to the cameraman. That's just me. With a thousand matches under my belt I’m not a perfect person, errors happen."

"What is for sure, I stand by my team and club, that’s for sure. The reason why I support my squad is clear – because from my experience to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, high nineties, otherwise we don’t win it."

City's Position and Guardiola's Assessment

City are third and are seven behind the Gunners following their fourth loss this campaign. "Four defeats in twelve matches we have to improve a lot," Guardiola admitted. "Mathematically, it’s possible still achieve all."

The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, have you ever heard me about the quadruple in December when we won the quadruple? No."

Exchange with Bruno

Regarding his confrontation with Guimarães, the coach explained: "I've known him a long time and every time after the game, 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. "No - as long as it's respectful as I do, it's fine," he noted, before referencing Barrott. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. Goodness, very much so."

Controversial Decisions

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 when Harvey Barnes scored the decisive strike. Subsequent images show he was level.

Upcoming Milestone

Guardiola will take charge of his 100th Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, it means that every season annually," he commented.

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