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

The City boss confessed feeling "shame" after an exchange with a camera operator subsequent to the Citizens' loss away to the Magpies on Saturday.

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, and also touched the broadcast crew's equipment.

"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. I don’t like it. I immediately apologized to the operator. That's just me. After 1,000 games I’m not a perfect person, errors happen."

"What is for sure, I defend any team and my club, without a doubt. Why I support my squad is no doubt – because from my experience to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, high nineties, or we fall short."

Team Standing and Manager's Take

The team sits in third and are seven behind the Gunners following their fourth loss of the season. "Four defeats in twelve matches means we must do better," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."

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 last winter during our historic run? Never."

Interaction with Guimarães

On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "We have known Bruno for many years 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 like discussing and move my hands."

He wouldn't mind should a rival coach spoke to his players immediately after a game. "Not if you talk with respect like I always have done, it’s not a problem," he noted, mentioning the referee. "The referee was involved throughout the match, constantly. My God, he was involved."

Debatable Calls

The team felt aggrieved that Barrott or the VAR denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, and doubted if Guimarães was offside when Harvey Barnes scored the decisive strike. Pictures published later indicate the Brazilian was onside.

Upcoming Milestone

He will manage his century in Europe versus Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, it means that every season we have been there," he said.

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