🔗 Share this article

The City boss confessed feeling "shame" after a confrontation with a TV crew member subsequent to the Citizens' 2-1 defeat at Newcastle on Saturday.

When the match concluded, an emotional 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 headphones of the camera operator.

"I said sorry," Guardiola stated. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. 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 far from perfect, I make huge mistakes."

"What is for sure, I defend any team and my club, without a doubt. Why I want to defend my team is no doubt – based on my career to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, high nineties, otherwise we don’t win it."

City's Position and Manager's Take

City are third and are seven behind the Gunners following their fourth loss this campaign. "Four defeats in twelve matches we have to improve a lot," Guardiola admitted. "Mathematically, it’s possible still achieve all."

When questioned 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? No."

Interaction with Guimarães

Regarding his confrontation with Guimarães, the coach explained: "I've known him for many years and post-match, even at the Etihad, we converse. We often meet 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 right after the final whistle. "Not if you talk with respect like I always have done, it's fine," he said, before referencing Barrott. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. My God, very much so."

Controversial Decisions

The team felt aggrieved that the officials denied a spot-kick for a Fabian Schär challenge on Phil Foden, and doubted Bruno's positioning when Harvey Barnes scored Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Subsequent images show he was level.

Next Big Match

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

The club has ten points after four games of the league phase, while Leverkusen have five.