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

The City boss confessed experiencing "embarrassment" after a confrontation with a TV crew member subsequent to Manchester City's 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies on Saturday.

At full time, a visibly upset Guardiola stepped onto the field and had heated discussions with match official Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the broadcast crew's equipment.

"I said sorry," the manager remarked. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. I don’t like it. I apologised after one second to the cameraman. I am who I am. 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, that’s for sure. Why I support my squad is clear – based on my career to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, high nineties, or we fall short."

Team Standing and Manager's Take

City are third and are seven behind the Gunners after what was their fourth league defeat this campaign. "Losing four games out of 12 means we must do better," Guardiola admitted. "Technically, we can still achieve all."

When questioned about a potential quadruple was a realistic aim, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies in December during our historic run? Never."

Exchange with Bruno

On the subject of his talk with Guimarães, Guardiola said: "We have known Bruno for many years and post-match, even at the Etihad, we converse. Our paths always cross and we get along well. I love it. I’m an emotional guy, I love to talk and move my hands."

He wouldn't mind if an opposition manager addressed his squad right after the final whistle. "Not if you talk with respect as I do, it’s not a problem," he said, mentioning the referee. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. My God, very much so."

Controversial Decisions

The team felt aggrieved that the officials 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. Pictures published later show he was level.

Next Big Match

He will manage of his 100th Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen this week. "It’s quite good, it means that every season annually," he commented.

The club has ten points from four matches of the league phase, while Leverkusen have five.