Pep Guardiola Expresses Remorse Over Camera Operator Incident Following Loss to Newcastle

The City boss confessed experiencing "embarrassment" after a confrontation with a TV crew member in the wake of the Citizens' loss at Newcastle on Saturday.

At full time, a visibly upset Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and engaged in intense talks with match official Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the broadcast crew's equipment.

"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. I don’t like it. I immediately apologized to the operator. I am who I am. After 1,000 games I’m not a perfect person, I make huge mistakes."

"One thing is certain, I defend any team and my club, without a doubt. 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 we have to improve a lot," Guardiola admitted. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."

When questioned if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies last winter when we won the quadruple? No."

Exchange with Bruno

Regarding his confrontation with the Newcastle player, Guardiola said: "I've known him a long time and post-match, even at the Etihad, we converse. 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 if an opposition manager spoke to his players immediately after a game. "Not if you talk with respect as I do, it’s not a problem," he noted, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved throughout the match, he was involved. My God, he was involved."

Debatable Calls

The team felt aggrieved that Barrott or the VAR did not award City a penalty for a Fabian Schär challenge on Phil Foden, and doubted Bruno's positioning on Barnes' goal Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Subsequent images show he was level.

Next Big Match

Guardiola will take charge of his 100th Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, it means that every season we have been there," he commented.

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