Pep Guardiola Voices Regret Over Broadcast Crew Incident Following Defeat to Newcastle

The City boss confessed experiencing "embarrassment" following a confrontation with a TV crew member subsequent to the Citizens' loss away to the Magpies this past weekend.

At full time, a visibly upset Guardiola stepped onto the field and had heated discussions with match official Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the broadcast crew's equipment.

"I said sorry," Guardiola stated. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. I don’t like it. I apologised after one second to the cameraman. That's just me. After 1,000 games I'm far from perfect, I make huge mistakes."

"What is for sure, I stand by my team and club, that’s for sure. Why I want to defend my team is clear – based on my career 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

City are third and are seven behind the Gunners following their fourth loss this campaign. "Losing four games out of 12 means we must do better," he conceded. "Technically, we can to win everything."

The manager was asked about a potential quadruple was a realistic aim, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk about the quadruple in December during our historic run? No."

Exchange with Bruno

Regarding his confrontation with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "We have known Bruno a long time and post-match, home or away, we converse. Our paths always cross and I always have a good relationship. I love it. I’m an emotional guy, I love to talk and gesticulate."

Guardiola would not be concerned should a rival coach spoke to his players immediately after a game. "No - as long as you talk with respect as I do, it’s not a problem," he said, mentioning the referee. "The referee was involved throughout the match, constantly. My God, very much so."

Controversial Decisions

The team felt aggrieved that Barrott or the VAR did not award City a penalty on a Schär tackle against Foden, while they also questioned if Guimarães was offside when Harvey Barnes scored Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Pictures published later show he was level.

Next Big Match

He will manage his century in Europe versus Leverkusen on Tuesday. "That's impressive, showing we compete we have been there," he said.

City have 10 points after four games of the league phase, and Leverkusen hold five.