Guardiola Reflects on Post-Match Incident and Player Development

Pep Guardiola has publicly acknowledged feeling “embarrassed and ashamed” regarding his altercation with a television cameraman after Manchester City’s defeat to Newcastle United on Saturday.

The incident occurred on the pitch at St. James’ Park, where Guardiola appeared to engage in an intense exchange with the cameraman. Additionally, he was seen having animated discussions with referee Samuel Barrott and Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimarães following the 2-1 loss.

During a press conference on Monday, Guardiola addressed his remarks to the cameraman, revealing that he had already offered an apology for his conduct. “I feel embarrassed and ashamed when I see it,” he stated. “I don’t like it. I apologized to the cameraman immediately. I am who I am. After a thousand games, I am not a perfect person. I make significant mistakes. However, I will always defend my team and my club.”

In a somewhat tense press gathering ahead of the upcoming Champions League match against Bayer Leverkusen, Guardiola also made subtle comments regarding the situation of player Claudio Echeverri, who is currently on loan from Manchester City to Leverkusen but has had limited playing time in the Bundesliga.

City had preferred for Echeverri to join Girona—a club within the City Football Group—but Guardiola hinted at his dissatisfaction with the player’s placement in Germany. “I always wish for players to have ample playing time, and that’s always the intention,” he remarked when asked about Echeverri’s situation. “We hold him in high regard as a footballer. I am confident that his agent is well aware of all developments.”

When questioned about the possibility of Echeverri returning to City in January, Guardiola responded, “That is a question for his distinguished agent.”