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

At full time, a visibly upset Guardiola stepped onto the field and engaged in intense talks with the referee, Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the headphones of the camera operator.

"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I'm humiliated, regretful, when I see it. I don’t like it. I apologised after one second to the operator. That's just me. After 1,000 games I'm far from perfect, errors happen."

"What is for sure, I defend any team and my club, without a doubt. The reason why I want to defend my team is clear – based on my career to clinch the title we have to do 100 points, high nineties, otherwise we don’t win it."

Team Standing and Manager's Take

City are third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points after what was their fourth league defeat of the season. "Four defeats in twelve matches means we must do better," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible still achieve all."

When questioned if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies last winter when we won the quadruple? Never."

Interaction with Guimarães

Regarding his confrontation with Guimarães, the coach explained: "I've known him for many years and every time after the game, even at the Etihad, we converse. 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 addressed his squad right after the final whistle. "No - as long as it's respectful like I always have done, it's fine," he said, mentioning the referee. "He was part of it throughout the match, he was involved. My God, very much so."

Controversial Decisions

The team felt aggrieved that the officials did not award City a penalty on a Schär tackle against Foden, while they also questioned 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 his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, showing we compete annually," he commented.

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