PEP GUARDIOLA'S SHAME: MANAGER REGRETS CONFRONTING CAMERAMAN POST-MATCH
Pep Guardiola says he feels "embarrassed and ashamed" after confronting a cameraman following Man City's 2-1 loss to Newcastle. The City boss apologised but also defended his passion for his club.
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After Manchester City's 2-1 loss to Newcastle United, Pep Guardiola was caught on camera confronting a cameraman at St.St. James’ Park. He has since expressed regret over the episode.
Guardiola was visibly upset after the game, approaching referee Sam Barrott and Bruno Guimaraes in what appeared to be heated discussions.
The Sky Sports cameraman supposedly got too close to the agitated coach, leading Guardiola to adjust the man's headset while voicing his displeasure.
"I apologised," Guardiola stated. I feel bad when I see it. I don’t like how I acted. I said sorry to the cameraman right away.
I am who I am. After so many games, I'm not perfect, and I make mistakes. It's not about that.
I will always defend my team and my club. That's why I reacted the way I did.
Guardiola added, From my experience, winning the Premier League requires around 100 points. Anything less, and we don't win. That's just how it is.
With four league losses already, City would need to win every remaining game to reach that 100-point mark.
Before facing Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League, Guardiola seemed annoyed by a penalty call on Phil Foden and Newcastle's winning goal.
The referee was involved for almost the entire match, he said. He was constantly involved.
Sports are tough, and things aren't always easy. It's part of what makes us a team and a club. We must experience these moments.
City might see Claudio Echeverri, who is currently on loan, on Tuesday night. However, the young Argentine's time in the Bundesliga hasn't been easy.
Echeverri has been a substitute in most of the recent league games, and City might consider bringing him back in January.
City has high hopes for the 19-year-old, whom they signed from River Plate earlier this year.
Guardiola also spoke with Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes for about 30 seconds.
Echeverri was a substitute in the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace, and he scored at the Club World Cup.
The plan was for him to get regular playing time this season. Echeverri's representatives chose Leverkusen, while City wanted him to play at Girona, a sister club.
When asked about Echeverri's possible return in January, Guardiola said, That's a question for his agent.
We want our players to play a lot, and we value him as a player. His agent probably knows more about the situation.
TITLE BLUEPRINT: HOW MANCHESTER CITY’S GAME IN HAND COULD DECIDE THE 2026 PREMIER LEAGUE
Title hunt. Get the report on Guardiola’s control, Arteta’s lead, and the upcoming Leeds United clash.
Manchester City did exactly what they needed to over the weekend. They battled past Newcastle, squeaking out a 2-1 win that keeps their Premier League fate in their own hands. For a moment, City sat just two points behind Arsenal, at least until Arsenal rolled into Tottenham and smashed their rivals 4-1. That put Arsenal five clear at the top again, but City still have that all-important game in hand. After a weekend loaded with nerves and tension, City are still right in the thick of the title race, which is really all they can ask for at this point.
That win over Newcastle felt like a real test. You could feel the anxiety in the air at the Etihad. Newcastle didn’t just show up to make up the numbers; they pushed City hard and never let them settle. Every minute felt tight. City knew they had to win, especially with Arsenal dropping points to Wolves. More than that, they needed to prove to themselves they could handle the pressure. In the end, they got the job done, and that’s what mattered most.
Arsenal answered right back. They walked into the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and blew Spurs away, 4-1. After their slip against Wolves, it was a real statement. Like City, Arsenal now control their own destiny. And now there’s that huge match coming up in April at the Etihad. If both teams keep winning, that could be the day the title race really explodes.
Looking ahead, neither City nor Arsenal will want to let anything slip. There’s just too much on the line. Sure, some people love a gamble; maybe they’d enjoy spinning the reels on Dragon Risk Slot, but Guardiola and Arteta aren’t gamblers when it comes to the title. They’ll want total control, nothing left to chance.
So, after a weekend packed with drama, both teams are right where they want to be. City got what they needed against Newcastle, and now they’ll look to keep that momentum going, starting with Leeds at Elland Road next weekend. The race is on.
BARCA TARGET MARMOUSH: MANCHESTER CITY STAR EMERGES AS TOP ALTERNATIVE FOR CATALAN GIANTS
Striker hunt: Discover why Barcelona are eyeing Omar Marmoush as a cut-price alternative to Atletico's €200m Julián Alvarez.
Barcelona are eyeing Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush as they look to bring in a new striker this summer.
Sport says Barcelona have already nailed down their main targets for next season, and a new No. 9 tops the list. The problem? The market’s thin, prices are crazy, and the big names cost a fortune.
Julián Alvarez is the dream signing, but Atlético Madrid wants about €150m (£130m). That’s way out of reach. So, Barca are already weighing other options, and Marmoush is high on their list of names they like.
Here’s why Marmoush’s situation at City makes things interesting. City bought him from Eintracht Frankfurt in January 2025 for €75m (£65m). Pep Guardiola had tracked him for a while; Marmoush was tearing it up in the Bundesliga, and even then, Barcelona’s scouts were watching him too. They think he’d fit right into Hansi Flick’s style, with his speed and link-up play.
But things haven’t clicked for him at City. Erling Haaland is locked in as the main striker, so Marmoush has mostly been on the bench or pushed out wide. He’s shown flashes when he’s come on, but the minutes just haven’t been there. Missing a month for the Africa Cup of Nations didn’t help either, so his stats look pretty average.
Rumours about a possible exit started back in January. Marmoush wants more game time and a bigger role, something Barcelona can offer. Still, they’re not the only ones watching. Tottenham, Aston Villa, and Galatasaray are all interested, which makes his future even more up in the air.
So, is Marmoush’s time at City almost up? Barcelona are in a good spot if Marmoush decides to leave this summer. He’s not their top choice, but if the Alvarez deal falls apart, they could pivot fast.
For City, it all comes down to price. Marmoush cost them €75m (£65m) not long ago, but reports say he could go for less if Guardiola gives the green light. Selling him at a discount would be a big statement; it would basically say he’s not in their plans behind Haaland.
Right now, there’s no official offer. Barcelona are keeping a close eye on things, and a lot depends on whether Marmoush asks for a move after the season wraps up. If he does, City will have to fend off competition from England and Turkey to get the deal done.
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