🔗 Share this article

The City boss confessed experiencing "embarrassment" following a confrontation with a camera operator in the wake of Manchester City's 2-1 defeat at Newcastle on Saturday.

When the match concluded, an emotional Guardiola stepped onto the field and engaged in intense talks with the referee, Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the headphones of the camera operator.

"I said sorry," the manager remarked. "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 not a perfect person, errors happen."

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

City's Position and Manager's Take

The team sits in third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points after what was their fourth league defeat of the season. "Losing four games out of 12 means we must do better," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."

When questioned about a potential quadruple was a realistic aim, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, have you ever heard me discuss four trophies in December when we won the quadruple? Never."

Interaction with Guimarães

Regarding his confrontation with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "We have known Bruno a long time and post-match, even at the Etihad, we converse. Our paths always cross and we get along well. I love it. I'm passionate, I love to talk and gesticulate."

Guardiola would not be concerned if an opposition manager addressed his squad immediately after a game. "No - as long as you talk with respect as I do, it's fine," he said, mentioning the referee. "The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. Goodness, he was involved."

Debatable Calls

City were unhappy 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 when Harvey Barnes scored Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Subsequent images show he was level.

Next Big Match

He will manage his century in Europe versus Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, it means that every season we have been there," he said.

City have 10 points from four matches of the league phase, and Leverkusen hold five.