Pep Guardiola has admitted he is “embarrassed and ashamed” after his interaction with a television cameraman in the aftermath of Manchester City‘s defeat to Newcastle United on Saturday.
Guardiola was involved in what looked like an angry confrontation with a cameraman on the pitch at St James’ Park.
He was also caught having animated conversations with both referee Samuel Barrott and Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimarães following City’s 2-1 defeat.
Asked specifically about what he said to the cameraman at a news conference on Monday, Guardiola revealed he has apologised for his role in the dispute.
“I feel embarrassed, ashamed when I see it,” Guardiola said.
“I don’t like it. I apologised after one second to the cameraman.
“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 prickly news conference ahead of Bayer Leverkusen‘s visit to the Etihad Stadium in the Champions League on Tuesday, Guardiola also aimed a veiled dig at Claudio Echeverri‘s agent.
The Argentinian is on loan from City at Leverkusen, but has struggled for game time since his move to the Bundesliga.
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City would have preferred Echeverri to join Girona — a club under the City Football Group umbrella — and Guardiola hinted that he’s not thrilled that the 19-year-old has ended up in Germany.
“Always, I would love that players play a lot of minutes, the intention is always there,” Guardiola said when asked about Echeverri’s situation.
“We have an incredible appreciation about him as a football player. I am sure, pretty sure, his agent will know everything.”
Asked whether Echeverri could return to City in January, Guardiola replied: “It is a question for his beautiful agent.”
