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Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" after a confrontation with a camera operator in the wake of the Citizens' loss away to the Magpies this past weekend.

At full time, a visibly upset Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and engaged in intense talks with the referee, Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the headphones of the camera operator.

"I said sorry," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. I don’t like it. I immediately apologized to the operator. I am who I am. With a thousand matches under my belt I’m not a perfect person, errors happen."

"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."

Team Standing and Manager's Take

City are third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points after what was their fourth league defeat of the season. "Losing four games out of 12 we have to improve a lot," Guardiola admitted. "Mathematically, it’s possible still achieve all."

The manager was asked about a potential quadruple was a realistic aim, Guardiola answered: "As a seasoned reporter, have you ever heard me about the quadruple in December during our historic run? Never."

Interaction with Guimarães

On the subject of his talk with Guimarães, the coach explained: "We have known Bruno for many years and post-match, home or away, we converse. We often meet and I always have a good relationship. I enjoy it. I'm passionate, I like discussing and gesticulate."

Guardiola would not be concerned should a rival coach addressed his squad immediately after a game. "Not if you talk with respect as I do, it’s not a problem," he said, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved throughout the match, he was involved. My God, he was involved."

Controversial Decisions

City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR denied a spot-kick for a Fabian Schär challenge against Foden, while they also questioned if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal the decisive strike. Subsequent images indicate the Brazilian was onside.

Upcoming Milestone

Guardiola will take charge his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, showing we compete we have been there," he said.

The club has ten points after four games in the group, while Leverkusen have five.