🔗 Share this article

Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" after an exchange with a camera operator in the wake of the Citizens' 2-1 defeat at Newcastle on Saturday.

When the match concluded, an emotional Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and had heated discussions with match official Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the broadcast crew's equipment.

"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the operator. I am who I am. With a thousand matches under my belt I'm far from perfect, errors happen."

"What is for sure, I defend any team and my club, that’s for sure. The reason why I want to defend my team is clear – based on my career to win the Premier League we have to do 100 points, 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. "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 was a realistic aim, Guardiola answered: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies last winter during our historic run? No."

Interaction with Guimarães

Regarding his confrontation with Guimarães, Guardiola said: "We have known Bruno a long time and every time after the game, even at the Etihad, we talk in the tunnel. Our paths always cross and we get along well. I love it. I’m an emotional guy, I love to talk and move my hands."

He wouldn't mind if an opposition manager addressed his squad immediately after a game. "Not if you talk with respect like I always have done, it’s not a problem," he said, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. Goodness, very much so."

Controversial Decisions

The team felt aggrieved that the officials did not award City a penalty for a Fabian Schär challenge on Phil Foden, while they also questioned Bruno's positioning when Harvey Barnes scored the decisive strike. Pictures published later show he was level.

Next Big Match

Guardiola will take charge of his 100th Champions League game versus Leverkusen on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, showing we compete annually," he commented.

The club has ten points from four matches in the group, while Leverkusen have five.