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

The City boss confessed feeling "shame" after a confrontation with a TV crew member in the wake of 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 the referee, Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the broadcast crew's equipment.

"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, looking back. I don’t like it. I apologised after one second to the operator. I am who I am. After 1,000 games I’m not a perfect person, I make huge mistakes."

"What is for sure, I defend any team and my club, without a doubt. The reason why I support my squad is no doubt – because from my experience to clinch the title we have to do 100 points, high nineties, or we fall short."

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 means we must do better," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible still achieve all."

When questioned if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, Guardiola answered: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk about the quadruple in December when we won the quadruple? No."

Interaction with Guimarães

Regarding his confrontation with the Newcastle player, Guardiola said: "We have known Bruno a long time and post-match, even at the Etihad, we talk in the tunnel. We often meet and I always have a good relationship. I enjoy it. I’m an emotional guy, I love to talk and gesticulate."

Guardiola would not be concerned should a rival coach addressed his squad right after the final whistle. "Not if it's respectful like I always have done, it's fine," he noted, mentioning the referee. "The referee was involved throughout the match, he was involved. My God, 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, while they also questioned Bruno's positioning on Barnes' goal the decisive strike. Pictures published later indicate the Brazilian was onside.

Next Big Match

Guardiola will take charge his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen this week. "It’s quite good, showing we compete annually," he said.

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