24 November 2025
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said he felt embarrassed and ashamed after berating a photographer following his team's defeat to Newcastle in the English Premier League last Saturday. Guardiola was visibly angry about several decisions during City's 2-1 loss at St. James' Park and appeared to vent his frustration on a television cameraman after the final whistle.
Speaking on Monday ahead of City's Champions League match against Bayer Leverkusen, Guardiola said, "I feel embarrassed and ashamed when I see that (berating the photographer). I don't like it."
The Spanish coach continued, apologizing: "I apologize to the photographer. I am who I am. Even after managing a thousand games (as a manager), I am not perfect and I make mistakes. I defend my team and my club."
The defeat left Manchester City seven points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal, but City will have a quick opportunity to bounce back when they face Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday in what will be Guardiola's 100th Champions League match as City manager.
Regarding this new milestone, coming so soon after reaching 1,000 matches as a coach, the 54-year-old Guardiola said: "I realize I'm getting old. That's good. It means we've been there every season (in the Champions League)."
He continued: "It's a massive competition. It's special for the players. Challenging yourself against the best teams in Europe is incredible and a huge experience." It's important for the club in terms of reputation, prestige, and finances.
Manchester City currently sit fourth in their Champions League group stage table after three wins and a draw. A home victory against 21st-placed Bayer Leverkusen would put them in a strong position to finish in the top eight and avoid a play-off round, something that proved costly last season when they were eliminated by Real Madrid 6-3 on aggregate.
