Pep Guardiola Expresses Regret Over Broadcast Crew Altercation Following Loss to Newcastle

Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" following an exchange with a TV crew member subsequent to Manchester City's 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies on Saturday.

When the match concluded, an emotional Guardiola stepped onto the field and engaged in intense talks with the referee, Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the headphones of the camera operator.

"I said sorry," the manager remarked. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. I don’t like it. I apologised after one second to the cameraman. That's just me. With a thousand matches under my belt I'm far from perfect, 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 need near-perfect totals, high nineties, or we fall short."

City's Position and Manager's Take

The team sits in 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."

The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies last winter when we won the quadruple? No."

Exchange with Bruno

Regarding his confrontation with Guimarães, the coach explained: "I've known him for many years and every time after the game, even at the Etihad, we talk in the tunnel. We often meet and I always have a good relationship. I enjoy it. I'm passionate, I like discussing and gesticulate."

Guardiola would not be concerned if an opposition manager spoke to his players immediately after a game. "No - as long as you talk with respect like I always have done, it’s not a problem," he said, mentioning the referee. "He was part of it throughout the match, he was involved. Goodness, very much so."

Debatable Calls

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 Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Pictures published later show he was level.

Next Big Match

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

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

Julie Murphy
Julie Murphy

A passionate football journalist with over a decade of experience covering Serie A and local Verona teams.