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Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" after a confrontation with a camera operator subsequent to the Citizens' 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies on Saturday.

At full time, an emotional Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and had heated discussions with the referee, Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the headphones of the camera operator.

"I said sorry," Guardiola stated. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. I don’t like it. I immediately apologized to the operator. I am who I am. With a thousand matches under my belt I’m not a perfect person, I make huge mistakes."

"One thing is certain, I stand by my team and club, without a doubt. Why I want to defend my team is no doubt – because from my experience to clinch the title we have to do 100 points, high nineties, otherwise we don’t win it."

Team Standing and Guardiola's Assessment

The team sits in third and are seven behind the Gunners after what was their fourth league defeat this campaign. "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, he responded: "As a seasoned reporter, have you ever heard me discuss four trophies in December when we won the quadruple? No."

Interaction with Guimarães

On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "I've known him a long time and post-match, home or away, we converse. Our paths always cross and I always have a good relationship. I love it. I’m an emotional guy, I like discussing and move my hands."

Guardiola would not be concerned should a rival coach spoke to his players immediately after a game. "No - as long as it's respectful as I do, it’s not a problem," he noted, mentioning the referee. "The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. My God, very much so."

Debatable Calls

The team felt aggrieved that Barrott or the VAR denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle against Foden, while they also questioned if Guimarães was offside when Harvey Barnes scored Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Pictures published later show he was level.

Next Big Match

He will manage of his 100th Champions League game versus Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, showing we compete annually," he said.

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