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The City boss confessed experiencing "embarrassment" after an exchange with a camera operator in the wake of Manchester City's 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 the referee, Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, and also touched 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. That's just me. With a thousand matches under my belt I’m not a perfect person, I make huge mistakes."

"What is for sure, I defend any team and my club, without a doubt. Why I want to defend my team is clear – based on my career to win the Premier League we need near-perfect totals, high nineties, or we fall short."

Team Standing and Guardiola's Assessment

City are third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points following their fourth loss this campaign. "Losing four games out of 12 means we must do better," he conceded. "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 discuss four trophies last winter during our historic run? Never."

Interaction with Guimarães

Regarding his confrontation with Guimarães, Guardiola said: "We have known Bruno for many years and every time after the game, even at the Etihad, we talk in the tunnel. We often meet and we get along well. I love it. I'm passionate, I like discussing and gesticulate."

Guardiola would not be concerned if an opposition manager spoke to his players immediately after a game. "No - as long as it's respectful as I do, it's fine," he noted, before referencing Barrott. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. My God, very much so."

Debatable Calls

The team felt aggrieved that the officials did not award City a penalty for a Fabian Schär challenge against Foden, and doubted Bruno's positioning when Harvey Barnes scored the decisive strike. 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. "That's impressive, it means that every season we have been there," he commented.

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