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The City boss confessed experiencing "embarrassment" following an exchange with a camera operator subsequent to Manchester City's loss away to the Magpies this past weekend.

When the match concluded, a visibly upset Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and engaged in intense talks with match official Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the broadcast crew's equipment.

"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I'm humiliated, regretful, when I see it. It's not acceptable. I apologised after one second to the operator. I am who I am. After 1,000 games I'm far from perfect, I make huge mistakes."

"What is for sure, I stand by my team and club, that’s for sure. The reason why I support my squad is clear – based on my career to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, high nineties, or we fall short."

Team Standing and Guardiola's Assessment

City are third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points 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 still achieve all."

When questioned about a potential quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, have you ever heard me about the quadruple last winter during our historic run? No."

Interaction with Guimarães

Regarding his confrontation with Guimarães, the coach explained: "I've known him for many years and post-match, home or away, we talk in the tunnel. Our paths always cross and I always have a good relationship. I love it. I'm passionate, I like discussing and move my hands."

He wouldn't mind if an opposition manager spoke to his players immediately after a game. "No - as long as 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. Goodness, he was involved."

Debatable Calls

The team felt aggrieved that Barrott or the VAR denied a spot-kick for a Fabian Schär challenge on Phil Foden, while they also questioned Bruno's positioning when Harvey Barnes scored the decisive strike. Subsequent images show he was level.

Upcoming Milestone

Guardiola will take charge his century in Europe versus Leverkusen on Tuesday. "That's impressive, it means that every season annually," he said.

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