Man City’s Guardiola apologizes for confronting cameraman after Newcastle loss

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said he was embarrassed after a confrontation with a cameraman following his side’s Premier League defeat to Newcastle United on Saturday.

Guardiola was furious with several decisions during the 2-1 defeat at St James’ Park and appeared to vent his frustration at a TV cameraman on the pitch after the final whistle.

Speaking ahead of City’s Champions League home tie against Bayer Leverkusen on Monday, Guardiola said: «I feel embarrassed and ashamed when I see it. I don’t like it.»

«I apologize to the cameraman. I am who I am. Even with 1,000 matches, I am not a perfect person and I make mistakes. I defend my team and my club.»

City’s defeat leaves City seven points behind leaders Arsenal in the Premier League, but they will have an immediate chance to shake off any hangover when they take on Leverkusen in what will be Guardiola’s 100th Champions League match as City manager.

Speaking about another milestone shortly after reaching 1,000 games as manager, Guardiola said: «I realize I’m getting old. It’s good. It means we’ve been there every season.»

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«It’s a huge competition. It’s special for the players. Challenging yourself against the best teams in Europe is incredible, a huge experience. For the club it’s hugely important in terms of reputation, prestige and financial issues.»

City sit fourth in the Champions League after three wins and a draw, and a win at home against 21st-placed Leverkusen would leave them in a strong position to claim a place in the top eight and avoid the need for a play-off to reach the knockout rounds, a situation that cost them dearly last season when they lost 6–3 on aggregate to Real Madrid.

“Now we start the last four games,” Guardiola said. «Two home, two away. Tomorrow (Leverkusen) third in the Bundesliga. Hugely important game to finish in the top eight and we need tomorrow and one more point to qualify for the next round.»

“Tomorrow is important and focus on what we need to do.”

Guardiola confirmed that midfielder Rodri will miss the match, as will Mateo Kovacic. Asked how long the Spaniard will be out, Guardiola said: «Not long, but I’m not sure when he will be back. We will wait a little longer to make sure he is okay.»

Published on November 24, 2025