🔗 Share this article

The City boss confessed feeling "shame" following an exchange with a camera operator in the wake of Manchester City's 2-1 defeat at Newcastle 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, while also handling the headphones of the camera operator.

"I apologised," the manager remarked. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. It's not acceptable. 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."

"One thing is certain, I defend any team and my club, that’s for sure. The reason why I want to defend my team is no doubt – because from my experience to win the Premier League we need near-perfect totals, high nineties, otherwise we don’t win it."

City's Position and Guardiola's Assessment

City are third and are seven behind the Gunners following their fourth loss this campaign. "Four defeats in twelve matches we have to improve a lot," Guardiola admitted. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."

When questioned about a potential quadruple could be achieved, he responded: "As a seasoned reporter, have you ever heard me about the quadruple last winter during our historic run? No."

Interaction with Guimarães

Regarding his confrontation with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "I've known him for many years and post-match, even at the Etihad, we converse. We often meet 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 spoke to his players right after the final whistle. "No - as long as you talk with respect as I do, it’s not a problem," he noted, mentioning the referee. "He was part of it throughout the match, constantly. My God, he was involved."

Debatable Calls

City were unhappy that the officials did not award City a penalty on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, while they also questioned if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal the decisive strike. Pictures published later show he was level.

Next Big Match

He will manage of his 100th Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "That's impressive, it means that every season we have been there," he said.

The club has ten points from four matches in the group, and Leverkusen hold five.