MANCHESTER City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted that he was out of line for confronting the cameraman in the aftermath of his side’s 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United on Saturday.
Guardiola was left seething after his side’s English Premier League loss at St James’ Park, and he aggressively approached a pitchside cameraman and exchanged words with Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.
The Spaniard appeared frustrated by key refereeing decisions, including a potential penalty for Phil Foden and questions over Newcastle’s second goal.
Despite the heated moments, Guardiola later tried to calm the situation, saying “everything is fine” and praising the Newcastle midfielder for his performance.
Guardiola today said he felt “ashamed” by his behaviour after the Newcastle defeat.
“I feel embarrassed and ashamed when I see it. I don’t like it. I apologise to the cameraman,” he said during his pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow’s UEFA Champions League clash with Bayer Leverkusen.
“I am who I am. Even with 1000 games I am not a perfect person and I make mistakes. I defend my team and my club.”
Guardiola promised that his side will move on from this weekend’s defeat to Newcastle as they face the Champions League test at the Etihad Stadium.
“It’s immediately forgotten. We thought about what happened but it’s of massive importance that we have our way in the group stage,” he explained.
“Now we start the last four games. Two at home, two away. Tomorrow 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.
“Tomorrow is important and focus on what we have to do. We have to [move on]. What happens in the past doesn’t count.”