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The City boss confessed experiencing "embarrassment" after an exchange with a TV crew member in the wake of the Citizens' 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies on Saturday.

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

"I said sorry," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, looking back. I don’t like it. I apologised after one second to the cameraman. I am who I am. With a thousand matches under my belt I'm far from perfect, errors happen."

"One thing is certain, I stand by my team and club, that’s for sure. Why I support my squad is clear – based on my career to win the Premier League we need near-perfect totals, 98 points, or we fall short."

City's Position and Manager's Take

City are third and are seven behind the Gunners after what was their fourth league defeat this campaign. "Four defeats in twelve matches we have to improve a lot," Guardiola admitted. "Technically, we can still achieve all."

The manager was asked about a potential quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies in December during our historic run? Never."

Interaction with Guimarães

Regarding his confrontation with Guimarães, the coach explained: "I've known him for many years and post-match, even at the Etihad, we converse. We often meet and we get along well. I love it. I’m an emotional guy, I like discussing and gesticulate."

He wouldn't mind should a rival coach spoke to his players right after the final whistle. "Not if you talk with respect like I always have done, it's fine," he noted, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved throughout the match, constantly. My God, very much so."

Controversial Decisions

The team felt aggrieved that Barrott or the VAR did not award City a penalty for a Fabian Schär challenge against Foden, while they also questioned if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal the decisive strike. Subsequent images show he was level.

Upcoming Milestone

He will manage of his 100th Champions League game versus Leverkusen this week. "It’s quite good, it means that every season we have been there," he commented.

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