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The City boss confessed feeling "shame" following an exchange with a camera operator in the wake of Manchester City's 2-1 defeat at Newcastle on Saturday.

When the match concluded, an emotional Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and engaged in intense talks with match official Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the headphones of the camera operator.

"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the operator. I am who I am. With a thousand matches under my belt I’m not a perfect person, I make huge mistakes."

"What is for sure, I stand by my team and club, without a doubt. The reason why I support my squad is no doubt – because from my experience to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, high nineties, or we fall short."

Team Standing and Manager's Take

The team sits in third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points after what was their fourth league defeat of the season. "Losing four games out of 12 we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."

The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, have you ever heard me discuss four trophies in December when we won the quadruple? Never."

Interaction with Guimarães

Regarding his confrontation with Guimarães, Guardiola said: "I've known him a long time and every time after the game, even at the Etihad, we talk in the tunnel. Our paths always cross and I always have a good relationship. I love it. I’m an emotional guy, I love to talk and move my hands."

Guardiola would not be concerned should a rival coach spoke to his players immediately after a game. "Not if it's respectful as I do, it's fine," he said, mentioning the referee. "He was part of it throughout the match, constantly. My God, he was involved."

Debatable Calls

City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR did not award City a penalty for a Fabian Schär challenge on Phil Foden, and doubted Bruno's positioning when Harvey Barnes scored Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Pictures published later show he was level.

Next Big Match

Guardiola will take charge of his 100th Champions League game versus Leverkusen this week. "It’s quite good, showing we compete annually," he commented.

The club has ten points from four matches in the group, and Leverkusen hold five.