Pep Guardiola Expresses Regret Over Camera Operator Altercation Following Loss to Newcastle

Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" following a confrontation with a camera operator subsequent to the Citizens' loss away to the Magpies this past weekend.

At full time, an emotional 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 headphones of the camera operator.

"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. I don’t like it. I immediately apologized to the operator. I am who I am. After 1,000 games I'm far from perfect, errors happen."

"One thing is certain, I defend any team and my club, without a doubt. Why I want to defend my team is no doubt – because from my experience to win the Premier League we have to do 100 points, high nineties, otherwise we don’t win it."

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 of the season. "Losing four games out of 12 means we must do better," he conceded. "Technically, we can to win everything."

The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, 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, Guardiola said: "We have known Bruno a long time and every time after the game, even at the Etihad, we converse. We often meet and we get along well. I love it. I’m an emotional guy, I love to talk and move my hands."

He wouldn't mind if an opposition manager addressed his squad right after the final whistle. "Not if it's respectful like I always have done, it's fine," he noted, before referencing Barrott. "He was part of it throughout the match, he was involved. My God, he was involved."

Controversial Decisions

The team felt aggrieved that the officials 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. Pictures published later show he was level.

Upcoming Milestone

He will manage of his 100th Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "That's impressive, showing we compete annually," he commented.

The club has ten points after four games in the group, while Leverkusen have five.