Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed remorse for his confrontation with a cameraman following his team's 2-1 Premier League defeat against Newcastle United at St James' Park on Saturday. The incident occurred after the final whistle, as Guardiola engaged in animated discussions with Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes and match officials.
Guardiola reacted angrily to being filmed at close range and was seen grabbing the camera operator's headset, seemingly to shout into his ear. The City manager was reportedly frustrated with several decisions made during the match, particularly the awarding of Harvey Barnes's winning goal in the 70th minute. City believed goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was fouled in the build-up to the goal.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, ahead of Manchester City's Champions League clash with Bayer Leverkusen, Guardiola stated he felt "embarrassed and ashamed" after seeing the footage of the incident. "I apologise. I feel embarrassed and ashamed when I see it. I don't like it," Guardiola said. "I apologised after one second to the cameraman. I am who I am," he added.
Guardiola also downplayed his exchange with Bruno Guimaraes, stating that he has a good relationship with the Newcastle midfielder. "We have known Bruno for many, many years and every time after the game, even at the Etihad, we talk in the tunnel or wherever, always," Guardiola explained. "I don't know what happened. 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".
The defeat to Newcastle was Manchester City's fourth in the Premier League this season. Guardiola hinted that he may have more to say about the officiating in the game but wanted to focus on the Champions League match against Bayer Leverkusen first. City had two penalty appeals waved away during the match, adding to Guardiola's frustration.
Looking ahead, Guardiola confirmed that midfielder Rodri will miss the game against Bayer Leverkusen due to a hamstring injury, along with Mateo Kovacic. He said, "Not long but not sure when he will be back. We will wait a little bit more to make sure he is fine". Despite the loss to Newcastle, Manchester City is focused on securing a spot in the top eight of the Champions League group stage. "Tomorrow (Leverkusen) third in the table in Bundesliga. Massively important game to finish in the first eight and we need tomorrow and one more point we will be qualified for the next round," Guardiola said.
