Pep Guardiola Expresses Regret Over Broadcast Crew Incident Following Defeat 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 engaged in intense talks with match official Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the broadcast crew's equipment.

"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I'm humiliated, regretful, when I see it. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the operator. 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 defend any team and my club, without a doubt. The reason why I want to defend my team is clear – because from my experience to win the Premier League we need near-perfect totals, high nineties, otherwise we don’t win it."

Team Standing and Manager's Take

City are third and are seven behind the Gunners after what was their fourth league defeat this campaign. "Four defeats in twelve matches means we must do better," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible still achieve all."

The manager was asked about a potential quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, have you ever heard me discuss four trophies last winter when we won the quadruple? Never."

Exchange with Bruno

On the subject of his talk with Guimarães, the coach explained: "I've known him for many years and every time after the game, home or away, we converse. Our paths always cross and we get along well. I enjoy it. I’m an emotional guy, I like discussing and move my hands."

Guardiola would not be concerned should a rival coach addressed his squad right after the final whistle. "Not if you talk with respect as I do, it's fine," he noted, mentioning the referee. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. Goodness, he was involved."

Debatable Calls

City were unhappy that the officials did not award City a penalty for a Fabian Schär challenge on Phil Foden, and doubted Bruno's positioning when Harvey Barnes scored Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Subsequent images show he was level.

Upcoming Milestone

Guardiola will take charge his century in Europe versus Leverkusen on Tuesday. "That's impressive, it means that every season annually," he commented.

The club has ten points from four matches in the group, while Leverkusen have five.