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Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" following a confrontation with a camera operator subsequent to the Citizens' 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies this past weekend.

At full time, a visibly upset Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and had heated discussions with match official Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the headphones of the camera operator.

"I apologised," the manager remarked. "I'm humiliated, regretful, when I see it. I don’t like it. I apologised after one second to the operator. I am who I am. After 1,000 games I’m not a perfect person, I make huge mistakes."

"What is for sure, I stand by my team and club, without a doubt. Why I support my squad is clear – based on my career to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, 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 this campaign. "Four defeats in twelve matches we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible still achieve all."

The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies last winter when we won the quadruple? No."

Interaction with Guimarães

On the subject of his talk with Guimarães, Guardiola said: "We have known Bruno for many years and post-match, home or away, we talk in the tunnel. Our paths always cross and we get along well. I love it. I'm passionate, I like discussing and move my hands."

Guardiola would not be concerned should a rival coach addressed his squad right after the final whistle. "Not if it's respectful like I always have done, it's fine," he said, before referencing Barrott. "He was part of it throughout the match, constantly. My God, very much so."

Controversial Decisions

The team felt aggrieved that the officials denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, and doubted Bruno's positioning on Barnes' goal the decisive strike. Subsequent images indicate the Brazilian was onside.

Next Big Match

Guardiola will take charge his century in Europe versus Leverkusen on Tuesday. "That's impressive, it means that every season we have been there," he commented.

The club has ten points after four games in the group, and Leverkusen hold five.