Pep Guardiola has admitted he was left feeling deeply “embarrassed” and “ashamed” after an emotional moment led to an unexpected confrontation with a cameraman following Manchester City’s defeat to Newcastle United.
It was a night full of intensity at St James’ Park, and the City manager’s frustration boiled over in a way he quickly regretted.
The match itself was tense from start to finish, and when the final whistle blew, emotions were still running high. Guardiola was seen exchanging heated words with Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes on the pitch.
Moments later, he approached a Sky Sports camera operator and lifted the cameraman’s headphone to say something directly into his ear. The scene was captured by photographers around the stadium and quickly spread across social media.
Speaking to the press ahead of City’s Champions League meeting with Bayer Leverkusen, Guardiola didn’t shy away from the incident. He admitted that he lost control of his emotions and said he immediately apologised to the cameraman.
For him, it was a moment that didn’t represent who he wants to be, especially after so many years in the game.
Guardiola explained that after managing more than a thousand matches, he still makes mistakes and is far from perfect. He said he doesn’t like seeing himself react in that way and felt genuine regret as soon as it happened.
He made it clear that his behaviour came from a place of passion and loyalty toward his team and his club. According to him, defending Manchester City is something that comes naturally, even when it means reacting without thinking.
He went on to explain that his drive to protect his team comes from experience. Guardiola has often spoken about the fierce competition at the top of the Premier League, and he repeated the point again.
For City to win titles, he said they often need to reach extraordinary levels, achieving totals like 100 or 98 points just to stay ahead. In his eyes, there is no room to take anything lightly, and that pressure can sometimes break through emotionally.
When asked about the exchange with Guimaraes, Guardiola played down any suggestion of bad blood. He said they have always shared a good relationship and have crossed paths many times, both at St James’ Park and at the Etihad.
He described himself as someone who communicates with emotion, using his hands and his body language naturally, and suggested the moment was simply a misunderstanding in the heat of competition.
Guardiola’s honesty and quick apology showed a human side to a coach known for his intense standards. While he may not be proud of the moment, he was clear that his passion comes from wanting the best for his team.
