Pep Guardiola has admitted he is “embarrassed and ashamed” following an interaction with a television cameraman after Manchester City’s 2-1 loss to Newcastle United on Saturday.
The City manager was seen in what appeared to be a tense exchange with a cameraman on the pitch at St James’ Park and was also involved in animated discussions with referee Samuel Barrott and Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimarães after the defeat.
Addressing the incident at a news conference on Monday, Guardiola confirmed he has apologised for his behaviour.
“I feel embarrassed, ashamed when I see it,” he said.
“I don’t like it. I apologised after one second to the cameraman.”
He added that despite his mistakes, he always defends his team and club:
“I am who I am. After 1,000 games I’m not a perfect person, I make huge mistakes. It’s not about that. What is for sure, I defend any team and my club, that’s for sure. The reason why is I want to defend my team and my club.”
During a press conference ahead of Bayer Leverkusen’s Champions League visit to the Etihad Stadium, Guardiola also subtly addressed the situation of Claudio Echeverri, who is on loan from City but has struggled for playing time in Germany.
City would have preferred Echeverri to join Girona, a club within the City Football Group, and Guardiola hinted he is not entirely pleased with the player’s current placement.
“Always, I would love that players play a lot of minutes, the intention is always there,” Guardiola said regarding Echeverri.
“We have an incredible appreciation about him as a football player. I am sure, pretty sure, his agent will know everything.”
When asked if Echeverri could return to City in January, Guardiola replied: “It is a question for his beautiful agent.”
