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

At full time, an emotional Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and had heated discussions with the referee, Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the broadcast crew's equipment.

"I said sorry," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. It's not acceptable. I apologised after one second to the cameraman. That's just me. After 1,000 games I'm far from perfect, errors happen."

"What is for sure, I defend any team and my club, without a doubt. Why I support my squad is clear – based on my career to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, 98 points, or we fall short."

City's Position and Manager's Take

City are third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points after what was their fourth league defeat of the season. "Losing four games out of 12 we have to improve a lot," Guardiola admitted. "Technically, we can still achieve all."

When questioned about a potential quadruple was a realistic aim, Guardiola answered: "As a seasoned reporter, have you ever heard me about the quadruple in December when we won the quadruple? Never."

Interaction with Guimarães

On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, Guardiola said: "I've known him a long time and post-match, even at the Etihad, we converse. We often meet and we get along well. I enjoy 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. "No - as long as it's respectful as I do, it's fine," he noted, mentioning the referee. "He was part of it throughout the match, constantly. My God, he was involved."

Controversial Decisions

The team felt aggrieved that Barrott or the VAR denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, and doubted Bruno's positioning on Barnes' goal Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Pictures published later show he was level.

Upcoming Milestone

Guardiola will take charge of his 100th Champions League game versus Leverkusen on Tuesday. "That's impressive, showing we compete we have been there," he commented.

City have 10 points after four games of the league phase, and Leverkusen hold five.