Pep Guardiola has said he felt “embarrassed” and “ashamed” after watching footage of himself confronting a broadcast cameraman during Manchester City’s Premier League defeat at Newcastle United, admitting that his behaviour was out of line in the angry aftermath of the loss.
The City manager reacted furiously at full time following the 2–1 defeat at St James’ Park on Saturday night, remonstrating with referee Sam Barrott and midfielder Bruno Guimarães before briefly turning on a Sky Sports cameraman who moved in close to capture the exchange.
Television footage appeared to show Guardiola lifting part of the cameraman’s headset to make his feelings known.
Speaking ahead of City’s Champions League meeting with Bayer Leverkusen, Guardiola said he had offered an immediate apology.
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“I apologised,” he said. “I feel embarrassed, 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.”
Guardiola insisted that his heated reaction stemmed from a desire to protect his side and from frustrations over key refereeing decisions.
Five things to know about Man City boss Pep Guardiola
|PA/GETTY
Pep Guardiola has said he felt “embarrassed” and “ashamed” after watching footage of himself confronting a broadcast cameraman during Manchester City’s Premier League defeat at Newcastle United, admitting that his behaviour was out of line in the angry aftermath of the loss
|GETTY
“What is for sure, I defend any team and my club, that’s for sure,” he said.
“Because from my experience to win the Premier League we have to do 100 points, 98 points, otherwise we don’t win it.”
City have already lost four league games this season, making such a target implausible.
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Man City were beaten 2-1 by Newcastle on Saturday night
|PA
Guardiola’s irritation appeared to linger, particularly regarding a challenge on Phil Foden that he felt should have resulted in a penalty and Newcastle’s winning goal.
“The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved,” he said pointedly. “My god, he was involved.”
He then attempted to shift focus towards the resilience he expects his squad to show, insisting setbacks are part of the sport.
“Sport is tough so not everything is flowers on the road or easy and comfortable,” he added. “It’s part of who we are that builds as a team or a club. It’s important we live it.”
As Guardiola prepares for the Champions League encounter in Germany, City could come face-to-face with Claudio Echeverri, their highly rated Argentine talent currently on loan at Bayer Leverkusen.
However, the 19-year-old has struggled to secure playing time, featuring as an unused substitute in seven of the last nine Bundesliga matches, prompting discussions within City about recalling him in January.
Pep Guardiola's frustration boiled over after the final whistle
| PAEcheverri joined City earlier this year from River Plate and was viewed as one of the brightest emerging midfielders in South America.
Guardiola used him during the FA Cup final and he scored at the Club World Cup, increasing expectations that this season would provide him with regular senior experience.
City, however, had reportedly preferred a loan placement at sister club Girona, while the player’s representatives pushed for Leverkusen.
Asked whether City could look to bring him back early, Guardiola responded with a hint of sarcasm, hinting frustration at outside influence over the player’s development.
“It is a question for his beautiful agent,” he said, referring to agent Enzo Montepaone.
“Always we would love that players play a lot of minutes, the intention is always there, we have an incredible appreciation about him as a football player. I am sure, pretty sure, his agent will know everything.”