🔗 Share this article

Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" following a confrontation with a camera operator subsequent to the Citizens' loss at Newcastle 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 apologised," the manager remarked. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, looking back. I don’t like it. I apologised after one second to the cameraman. 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 stand by my team and club, that’s for sure. Why I want to defend my team is clear – because from my experience to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, 98 points, otherwise we don’t win it."

Team Standing 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. "Losing four games out of 12 we have to improve a lot," Guardiola admitted. "Technically, we can to win everything."

The manager was asked about a potential quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "As a seasoned reporter, have you ever heard me about the quadruple last winter when we won the quadruple? Never."

Interaction with Guimarães

Regarding his confrontation with Guimarães, Guardiola said: "We have known Bruno for many years and post-match, even at the Etihad, we talk in the tunnel. Our paths always cross and we get along well. I enjoy it. I’m an emotional guy, I love to talk and gesticulate."

Guardiola would not be concerned should a rival coach addressed his squad immediately after a game. "No - as long as you talk with respect like I always have done, it’s not a problem," he said, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. My God, he was involved."

Controversial Decisions

The team felt aggrieved that the officials did not award City a penalty for a Fabian Schär challenge on Phil Foden, while they also questioned if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Pictures published later show he was level.

Upcoming Milestone

He will manage his century in Europe versus Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, it means that every season annually," he said.

City have 10 points from four matches in the group, while Leverkusen have five.