🔗 Share this article

The City boss confessed feeling "shame" following a confrontation with a camera operator in the wake of the Citizens' 2-1 defeat at Newcastle this past weekend.

When the match concluded, an emotional Guardiola stepped onto the field and engaged in intense talks with the referee, Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the broadcast crew's equipment.

"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. I am who I am. With a thousand matches under my belt I'm far from perfect, I make huge mistakes."

"One thing is certain, I stand by my team and club, without a doubt. Why I support my squad is clear – because from my experience to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, 98 points, otherwise we don’t win it."

Team Standing and Manager's Take

City are 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," Guardiola admitted. "Mathematically, it’s possible still achieve all."

The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk about the quadruple last winter when we won the quadruple? Never."

Exchange with Bruno

On the subject of his talk with Guimarães, the coach explained: "I've known him for many years and every time after the game, home or away, we talk in the tunnel. Our paths always cross and we get along well. I enjoy it. I'm passionate, I like discussing and move my hands."

He wouldn't mind should a rival coach addressed his squad immediately after a game. "No - as long as it's respectful as I do, it's fine," he said, before referencing Barrott. "He was part of it throughout the match, constantly. Goodness, very much so."

Debatable Calls

The team felt aggrieved that Barrott or the VAR did not award City a penalty on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, and doubted if Guimarães was offside when Harvey Barnes scored Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Pictures published later show he was level.

Next Big Match

Guardiola will take charge his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "That's impressive, showing we compete annually," he commented.

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