🔗 Share this article

The City boss confessed feeling "shame" following a confrontation with a camera operator subsequent to Manchester City's 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies on Saturday.

At full time, a visibly upset Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and engaged in intense talks with match official Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the headphones of the camera operator.

"I said sorry," the manager remarked. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. I don’t like it. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. That's just me. After 1,000 games I’m not a perfect person, I make huge mistakes."

"One thing is certain, I stand by my team and club, that’s for sure. Why I support my squad is clear – based on my career to clinch the title we have to do 100 points, high nineties, or we fall short."

Team Standing and Guardiola's Assessment

City are third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points following their fourth loss of the season. "Four defeats in twelve matches means we must do better," he conceded. "Technically, we can still achieve all."

When questioned if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, Guardiola answered: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk about the quadruple last winter when we won the quadruple? No."

Exchange with Bruno

Regarding his confrontation with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "I've known him a long time and every time after the game, home or away, we talk in the tunnel. We often meet and we get along well. I enjoy it. I'm passionate, I like discussing and gesticulate."

He wouldn't mind if an opposition manager spoke to his players immediately after a game. "No - as long as it's respectful like I always have done, it's fine," he said, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. My God, very much so."

Controversial Decisions

City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR did not award City a penalty for a Fabian Schär challenge against Foden, while they also questioned if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal 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 against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, showing we compete we have been there," he said.

City have 10 points from four matches of the league phase, and Leverkusen hold five.