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

The City boss confessed experiencing "embarrassment" following a confrontation with a camera operator subsequent to the Citizens' 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies this past weekend.

At full time, 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 broadcast crew's equipment.

"I apologised," the manager remarked. "I'm humiliated, regretful, when I see it. It's not acceptable. I apologised after one second to the cameraman. 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 clear – based on my career to win the Premier League we have to do 100 points, high nineties, or we fall short."

City's Position and Guardiola's Assessment

The team sits in third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points after what was their fourth league defeat of the season. "Four defeats in twelve matches we have to improve a lot," Guardiola admitted. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."

The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple could be achieved, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, have you ever heard me about the quadruple last winter during our historic run? Never."

Exchange with Bruno

Regarding his confrontation with Guimarães, the coach explained: "I've known him a long time and every time after the game, even at the Etihad, we talk in the tunnel. Our paths always cross and we get along well. I enjoy it. I'm passionate, I like discussing and move my hands."

Guardiola would not be concerned should a rival coach addressed his squad immediately after a game. "Not if it's respectful like I always have done, it’s not a problem," he noted, before referencing Barrott. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. Goodness, he was involved."

Controversial Decisions

The team felt aggrieved that the officials did not award City a penalty on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, while they also questioned Bruno's positioning when Harvey Barnes scored the decisive strike. Subsequent images show he was level.

Next Big Match

He will manage his century in Europe versus Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, showing we compete we have been there," he commented.

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