🔗 Share this article

The City boss confessed feeling "shame" after a confrontation with a TV crew member subsequent to Manchester City's loss at Newcastle this past weekend.

When the match concluded, a visibly upset Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and engaged in intense talks with match official Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the headphones of the camera operator.

"I said sorry," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. I don’t like it. I immediately apologized to the operator. 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. The reason why I want to defend my team is clear – because from my experience to win the Premier League we need near-perfect totals, 98 points, otherwise we don’t win it."

City's Position and Manager's Take

The team sits in third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points following their fourth loss this campaign. "Four defeats in twelve matches means we must do better," Guardiola admitted. "Technically, we can still achieve all."

The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, Guardiola answered: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies in December when we won the quadruple? Never."

Exchange with Bruno

Regarding his confrontation with Guimarães, Guardiola said: "I've known him for many years and every time after the game, even at the Etihad, we converse. Our paths always cross and we get along well. I enjoy it. I’m an emotional guy, I like discussing 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 noted, before referencing Barrott. "He was part of it throughout the match, constantly. My God, very much so."

Controversial Decisions

The team felt aggrieved that Barrott or the VAR denied a spot-kick for a Fabian Schär challenge on Phil Foden, and doubted if Guimarães was offside when Harvey Barnes scored the decisive strike. Subsequent images show he was level.

Next Big Match

Guardiola will take charge his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "That's impressive, it means that every season annually," he commented.

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