Guardiola ‘Embarrassed and Ashamed’ After Outburst in Newcastle Defeat

Pep Guardiola has admitted he felt “embarrassed and ashamed” after confronting a cameraman in the aftermath of Manchester City’s damaging 2–1 defeat to Newcastle on Saturday.

The City manager reacted angrily when a camera moved in close following the final whistle, at a moment when he was speaking with Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes and match officials.

Guardiola was already frustrated by the decision to allow Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner at St James’ Park, with City arguing that goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma had been fouled in the build-up.

Speaking on Monday at a press conference ahead of City’s Champions League clash with Bayer Leverkusen, Guardiola said he had apologised for the incident.

“I feel embarrassed and ashamed when I see it,” he said. “I don’t like it. I apologised to the cameraman after one second.

“I am who I am. Even after 1,000 games I’m not a perfect person. I made a huge mistake…. The reason why is I want to defend my team and my club.”

The defeat — City’s fourth in the Premier League this season — left them third, seven points behind league leaders Arsenal.

However, Guardiola said the loss to Newcastle was “immediately forgotten” as he shifted focus to Europe.

City are currently fourth in the Champions League’s 36-team league phase after a strong start to the tournament.

Midfielders Rodri and Mateo Kovacic will miss Tuesday’s game against Leverkusen. Guardiola added there was no exact timeline for Rodri’s return but stressed it would not be long.

“We will wait a little more to be sure he is fine,” he said.

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