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The City boss confessed experiencing "embarrassment" following an exchange with a TV crew member in the wake of the Citizens' 2-1 defeat at Newcastle this past weekend.

When the match concluded, a visibly upset Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and had heated discussions with match official Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the broadcast crew's equipment.

"I apologised," the manager remarked. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, looking back. I don’t like it. I immediately apologized 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 defend any team and my club, that’s for sure. Why I want to defend my team is clear – because from my experience to win the Premier League we need near-perfect totals, high nineties, otherwise we don’t win it."

City's Position and Manager's Take

The team sits in third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points after what was their fourth league defeat of the season. "Losing four games out of 12 means we must do better," Guardiola admitted. "Mathematically, it’s possible still achieve all."

The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple could be achieved, he responded: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk about the quadruple last winter during our historic run? No."

Exchange with Bruno

On the subject of his talk with Guimarães, Guardiola said: "I've known him a long time and every time after the game, even at the Etihad, we talk in the tunnel. We often meet and we get along well. I love it. I'm passionate, I like discussing and move my hands."

Guardiola would not be concerned should a rival coach spoke to his players immediately after a game. "No - as long as it's respectful as I do, it’s not a problem," he noted, mentioning the referee. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. My God, very much so."

Controversial Decisions

City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, while they also questioned Bruno's positioning on Barnes' goal the decisive strike. Subsequent images indicate the Brazilian was onside.

Upcoming Milestone

Guardiola will take charge of his 100th Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, showing we compete we have been there," he commented.

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