Manager Josep Guardiola has apologized for confronting a photographer after Manchester City’s defeat to Newcastle on Saturday, saying he feels “embarrassed and embarrassed”.
City suffered a fourth defeat in 12 Premier League games, pushing their title hopes even further away, but Guardiola later expressed his frustration on the pitch and had a heated chat with Newcastle captain Bruno Guimarães and other officials.
The Manchester City manager, who was also photographed holding up the cameraman’s headphones and talking into his ear, said he regretted the incident.
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Highlights of the Premier League match between Newcastle and Manchester City
“I apologize. I’m embarrassed, embarrassed and I don’t like it. I apologized a second later,” Guardiola said on Monday ahead of the Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen.
“I am me. Even after playing 1,000 games, I’m not a perfect person and I make big mistakes.
“What is certain is that I will protect my team and my club, because I want to protect my team and my club, there is no doubt about it.
“From my experience, you have to get 100 or 98 points to win the Premier League.
“We have to improve a lot because we have lost four out of 12 games. Mathematically it is possible to win the Champions League, the FA Cup, the Carabao Cup and the Premier League.”
“Did you hear me talk about quads when I won quads in November or December? No, this case is no exception.”
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Manchester City’s 2-1 loss to Newcastle came amid a controversial decision in which Guardiola’s side had their appeals against several penalties rejected and believed Harvey Barnes’ winner should have been ruled out.
Guardiola said he did not discuss the players with Guimarães, adding: “I have known Bruno for many years. We always talk, whether it’s in the tunnel or at the Etihad or wherever. I’ve always had a good relationship with him.”
“I love it. I’m an emotional person. I love talking, moving my hands, arms and everything.
“We’ll talk about anything on Friday before the Leeds game. The referee was involved for 95 minutes, oh my god, he was involved. We’ll talk about it on Friday.”
Asked if he would be concerned if a manager did the same to his players, he said: “No. I have no problem speaking respectfully, as I have always done.”
Rodri and Mateo Kovacic will be unavailable for Tuesday’s Champions League match against Bayer Leverkusen.
But Guardiola said Rodri would not be sidelined for long, but the club would pay close attention to his return.
“Once he comes back, we will wait a little longer and make sure he is well,” Guardiola said.
Rodri has missed the last three games with a thigh injury, while Kovacic has been sidelined with an ankle problem.
The game against Leverkusen will be Guardiola’s 100th Champions League appearance as City manager, with the highlight of the previous 99 games being victory in the 2023 final.
He said, “I feel like I’m getting older. Every weekend is a new milestone, but of course it’s been a great experience, both good and bad.”
“Sport is tough so it’s not all flowery or easy or comfortable. It’s part of who we are and it’s important to live it.”
