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Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" after an exchange with a camera operator subsequent to the Citizens' 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies this past weekend.

At full time, an emotional Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and had heated discussions 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'm humiliated, regretful, when I see it. I don’t like it. I apologised after one second to the operator. That's just me. With a thousand matches under my belt I'm far from perfect, I make huge mistakes."

"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 win the Premier League we need near-perfect totals, 98 points, or we fall short."

City's Position and Manager's Take

The team sits in third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points after what was their fourth league defeat this campaign. "Four defeats in twelve matches means we must do better," Guardiola admitted. "Mathematically, it’s possible still achieve all."

The manager was asked about a potential quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, have you ever heard me about the quadruple last winter when we won the quadruple? No."

Exchange with Bruno

On the subject of his talk with Guimarães, the coach explained: "We have known Bruno a long time and every time after the game, home or away, we talk in the tunnel. We often meet and I always have a good relationship. I enjoy it. I’m an emotional guy, I like discussing and move my hands."

Guardiola would not be concerned if an opposition manager addressed his squad right after the final whistle. "Not if you talk with respect like I always have done, it's fine," he noted, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. My God, he was involved."

Controversial Decisions

City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR denied a spot-kick for a Fabian Schär challenge on Phil Foden, and doubted Bruno's positioning on Barnes' goal Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Pictures published later indicate the Brazilian was onside.

Next Big Match

Guardiola will take charge of his 100th Champions League game versus Leverkusen this week. "It’s quite good, it means that every season we have been there," he commented.

The club has ten points from four matches of the league phase, and Leverkusen hold five.