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The City boss confessed feeling "shame" after a confrontation with a TV crew member subsequent to the Citizens' loss away to the Magpies on Saturday.

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

"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. I don’t like it. I apologised after one second to the cameraman. That's just me. 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, that’s for sure. The reason why I support my squad is clear – because from my experience to win the Premier League 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 are seven behind the Gunners following their fourth loss this campaign. "Losing four games out of 12 we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible still achieve all."

The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, Guardiola answered: "As a seasoned reporter, 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, Guardiola said: "I've known him for many years and post-match, home or away, we converse. We often meet and we get along well. I love it. I’m an emotional guy, I like discussing and gesticulate."

Guardiola would not be concerned if an opposition manager spoke to his players right after the final whistle. "No - as long as it's respectful 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."

Debatable Calls

City were unhappy that the officials denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, while they also questioned if Guimarães was offside when Harvey Barnes scored the decisive strike. Pictures published later indicate the Brazilian was onside.

Upcoming Milestone

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

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