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The City boss confessed feeling "shame" after an exchange with a camera operator subsequent to the Citizens' loss away to the Magpies this past weekend.

When the match concluded, an emotional Guardiola stepped onto the field and had heated discussions with match official Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the broadcast crew's equipment.

"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. 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, errors happen."

"One thing is certain, I defend any team and my club, that’s for sure. Why I want to defend my team is clear – based on my career to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, 98 points, otherwise we don’t win it."

City's Position and Manager's Take

The team sits in third and are seven behind the Gunners after what was their fourth league defeat this campaign. "Four defeats in twelve matches means we must do better," Guardiola admitted. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."

The manager was asked 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."

Interaction with Guimarães

Regarding his confrontation 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 love it. I'm passionate, I love to talk and gesticulate."

Guardiola would not be concerned should a rival coach addressed his squad right after the final whistle. "No - as long as you talk with respect like I always have done, it’s not a problem," he noted, mentioning the referee. "The referee was involved throughout the match, he was involved. Goodness, he was involved."

Controversial Decisions

The team felt aggrieved that the officials denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, and doubted if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal the decisive strike. Subsequent images 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, showing we compete annually," he commented.

The club has ten points from four matches in the group, while Leverkusen have five.