Pep Guardiola: "Embarrassed and Ashamed" After Confrontation at Newcastle

Pep Guardiola expressed regret over his conduct during Manchester City's recent 2-1 defeat to Newcastle, where he confronted a cameraman following a contentious penalty decision. After the match, Guardiola acknowledged his behavior and apologized, stating he felt "embarrassed and ashamed" by the incident.

The City manager was visibly frustrated with the officiating, particularly regarding a penalty appeal and other pivotal decisions that impacted the match. He rushed onto the pitch to speak with referee Sam Barrott, and in a heated moment, pulled the headphones off a cameraman to convey his feelings.

Guardiola later explained that his emotions stemmed from a desire to defend his team and club. "I'm not a perfect person," he admitted, highlighting that for him, the passion to protect his players sometimes leads to impulsive actions.

Despite the disappointment against Newcastle, City will have to quickly regroup, as they prepare for their next Champions League clash against Bayer Leverkusen. Guardiola reflected on the importance of maintaining focus and the need for better execution moving forward.

He emphasized the challenges of the current season, particularly given injuries and the fierce competition in the league. With high expectations at the club, Guardiola knows that managing both performance and temperament will be crucial as City aims to remain competitive.