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The City boss confessed experiencing "embarrassment" following an exchange with a camera operator in the wake of the Citizens' 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies this past weekend.

When the match concluded, a visibly upset Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and engaged in intense talks with the referee, Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the broadcast crew's equipment.

"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, looking back. I don’t like it. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. I am who I am. After 1,000 games I'm far from perfect, I make huge mistakes."

"One thing is certain, I defend any team and my club, that’s for sure. The reason why I support my squad is no doubt – based on my career to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, 98 points, otherwise we don’t win it."

Team Standing and Guardiola's Assessment

City are 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," Guardiola admitted. "Technically, we can still achieve all."

The manager was asked about a potential quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk about the quadruple last winter when we won the quadruple? Never."

Interaction with Guimarães

Regarding his confrontation with Guimarães, the coach explained: "We have known Bruno a long time and post-match, 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 passionate, I like discussing and move my hands."

He wouldn't mind should a rival coach spoke to his players immediately after a game. "No - as long as you talk with respect like I always have done, it's fine," he noted, before referencing Barrott. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. Goodness, he was involved."

Controversial Decisions

The team felt aggrieved that Barrott or the VAR did not award City a penalty for a Fabian Schär challenge on Phil Foden, while they also questioned Bruno's positioning when Harvey Barnes scored Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Subsequent images show he was level.

Upcoming Milestone

Guardiola will take charge his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, showing we compete we have been there," he commented.

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