Manchester City's manager Voices Remorse Over Camera Operator Altercation Following Defeat to Magpies

Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" following an exchange with a TV crew member subsequent to Manchester City's 2-1 defeat at Newcastle this past weekend.

At full time, an emotional Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and engaged in intense talks with match official Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the headphones of the camera operator.

"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. I don’t like it. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. That's just me. After 1,000 games 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 no doubt – because from my experience to win the Premier League we need near-perfect totals, 98 points, otherwise we don’t win it."

City's Position and Guardiola's Assessment

The team sits in third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points following their fourth loss of the season. "Losing four games out of 12 means we must do better," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible still achieve all."

The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk about the quadruple in December when we won the quadruple? No."

Interaction with Guimarães

On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "We have known Bruno a long time and every time after the game, even at the Etihad, we talk in the tunnel. We often meet and I always have a good relationship. I enjoy it. I'm passionate, I love to talk and gesticulate."

He wouldn't mind should a rival coach addressed his squad immediately after a game. "Not if you talk with respect as I do, it’s not a problem," he noted, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. Goodness, very much so."

Controversial Decisions

City were unhappy that the officials denied a spot-kick for a Fabian Schär challenge on Phil Foden, and doubted Bruno's positioning when Harvey Barnes scored the decisive strike. Pictures published later show he was level.

Upcoming Milestone

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

City have 10 points from four matches in the group, and Leverkusen hold five.