Pep Guardiola Apologises For Touchline Outburst Following City’s Defeat At Newcastle

‎Pep Guardiola admitted he felt ashamed after a confrontation with a camera operator following Manchester City’s 2-1 defeat at Newcastle on Saturday.

‎After the final whistle, the visibly distressed City manager walked onto the St James’ Park pitch and argued with the referee, Sam Barrott, and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, while also dealing with the camera operator’s headphones.

‎Guardiola said, “I apologised. I feel embarrassed and ashamed when I see it. I don’t like it. I apologised after one second to the cameraman. I am who I am. After 1,000 games, I’m not a perfect person; I make huge mistakes.

‎“What is for sure, I defend any team and my club. The reason why I want to defend my team and my club is that, from my experience, to win the Premier League, we have to get 100 points, 98 points; otherwise, we don’t win it.”

‎City are third and trail the leaders, Arsenal, by seven points after their fourth league defeat of the season. “Losing four games out of 12 we have to improve a lot,” Guardiola said.

‎“Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything.”

‎Asked if this meant the ­quadruple was a realistic aim he said, “You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk about the ­quadruple in December when we won the ­quadruple? No.”

‎Regarding his confrontation with Guimarães, Guardiola said, “We have known Bruno for many years, and every time after the game, even at the Etihad [Stadium], we talk in the tunnel or wherever.

‎“Our paths always cross and I always have a good relationship with him. I love it. I’m an emotional guy, I love to talk and move my hands and my arms and everything.”

‎Guardiola would not be concerned if an opposition manager spoke to his players immediately after a game.

‎“As long as you talk with respect like I always have done, it’s not a problem,” he said, before ­referencing Barrott. “The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. My God, he was involved.”

‎City were unhappy that either referee Sam Barrott or the video assistant referee, Craig Pawson, did not award a penalty for Fabian Schär’s challenge on Phil Foden.

‎They also questioned whether Bruno Guimarães was offside when Harvey Barnes netted Newcastle’s 70th‑minute winner. Later pictures suggested the Brazilian was onside.

‎Guardiola will take charge of his 100th Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday.

‎“It means that every season we have been there,” he said.

‎City sits on 10 points after four league games, while Leverkusen has five.