Pep Guardiola Expresses Remorse Over Camera Operator Altercation Following Defeat to Newcastle

The City boss confessed feeling "shame" following an exchange with a camera operator in the wake of Manchester City's loss away to the Magpies this past weekend.

At full time, an emotional Guardiola stepped onto the field and engaged in intense talks with match official Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the broadcast crew's equipment.

"I apologised," the manager remarked. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the operator. I am who I am. With a thousand matches under my belt I'm far from perfect, errors happen."

"One thing is certain, I defend any team and my club, that’s for sure. 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."

City's Position and Guardiola's Assessment

The team sits in third and are seven behind the Gunners after what was their fourth league defeat of the season. "Losing four games out of 12 means we must do better," he conceded. "Technically, we can still achieve all."

The manager was asked about a potential quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "As a seasoned reporter, have you ever heard me about the quadruple last winter during our historic run? Never."

Interaction with Guimarães

Regarding his confrontation with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "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 an emotional guy, I love to talk and move my hands."

He wouldn't mind should a rival coach spoke to his players immediately after a game. "No - as long as it's respectful as I do, it’s not a problem," he said, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. Goodness, he was involved."

Controversial Decisions

The team felt aggrieved that the officials denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, and doubted if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal the decisive strike. Pictures published later indicate the Brazilian was onside.

Upcoming Milestone

Guardiola will take charge of his 100th Champions League game versus Leverkusen this week. "It’s quite good, it means that every season annually," he commented.

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