🔗 Share this article

Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" after an exchange with a camera operator subsequent to Manchester City's 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies this past weekend.

At full time, an emotional Guardiola stepped onto the field and had heated discussions with match official Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the broadcast crew's equipment.

"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, looking back. 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, I make huge mistakes."

"One thing is certain, I stand by my team and club, that’s for sure. Why I support my squad is no doubt – because from my experience to win the Premier League we need near-perfect totals, high nineties, otherwise we don’t win it."

Team Standing 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," he conceded. "Technically, we can to win everything."

When questioned if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies in December when we won the quadruple? No."

Exchange with Bruno

On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, 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 I always have a good relationship. I enjoy it. I’m an emotional guy, I love to talk and gesticulate."

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, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved throughout the match, he was involved. My God, very much so."

Controversial Decisions

City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR did not award City a penalty on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, while they also questioned Bruno's positioning on Barnes' goal Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Pictures published later show he was level.

Next Big Match

Guardiola will take charge his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, it means that every season we have been there," he commented.

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