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The City boss confessed feeling "shame" following an exchange with a TV crew member in the wake of Manchester City's 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies on Saturday.

When the match concluded, a visibly upset Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and had heated discussions with the referee, Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the broadcast crew's equipment.

"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. I don’t like it. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. I am who I am. 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, without a doubt. The reason why I want to defend my team is no doubt – based on my career to win the Premier League we need near-perfect totals, 98 points, otherwise we don’t win it."

City's Position and Guardiola's Assessment

The team sits in third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points following their fourth loss this campaign. "Losing four games out of 12 we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible still achieve all."

When questioned about a potential quadruple was a realistic aim, Guardiola answered: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies in December when we won the quadruple? No."

Exchange with Bruno

On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "We have known Bruno a long time and every time after the game, even at the Etihad, we talk in the tunnel. We often meet and we get along well. I enjoy it. I’m an emotional guy, I like discussing and gesticulate."

Guardiola would not be concerned should a rival coach addressed his squad immediately after a game. "No - as long as it's respectful like I always have done, it's fine," he said, mentioning the referee. "The referee was involved throughout the match, constantly. My God, very much so."

Controversial Decisions

The team felt aggrieved 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 the decisive strike. Subsequent images show he was level.

Next Big Match

He will manage his century in Europe versus Leverkusen this week. "It’s quite good, it means that every season annually," he commented.

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