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Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" after an exchange with a camera operator subsequent to the Citizens' loss away to the Magpies on Saturday.

At full time, an emotional Guardiola stepped onto the field and engaged in intense talks with match official Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the headphones of the camera operator.

"I said sorry," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. It's not acceptable. I apologised after one second to the cameraman. I am who I am. After 1,000 games I'm far from perfect, I make huge mistakes."

"One thing is certain, I stand by my team and club, without a doubt. The reason why I want to defend my team is clear – because from my experience to win the Premier League we need near-perfect totals, 98 points, or we fall short."

City's Position and Guardiola's Assessment

City are third and are seven behind the Gunners after what was their fourth league defeat of the season. "Four defeats in twelve matches means we must do better," he conceded. "Technically, we can still achieve all."

The manager was asked about a potential quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk 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 a long time and post-match, home or away, we talk in the tunnel. We often meet and we get along well. I enjoy it. I'm passionate, I love to talk and move my hands."

He wouldn't mind should a rival coach spoke to his players immediately after a game. "Not if it's respectful like I always have done, it's fine," he said, before referencing Barrott. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. Goodness, he was involved."

Controversial Decisions

City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR 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. Subsequent images indicate the Brazilian was onside.

Next Big Match

Guardiola will take charge his century in Europe versus Leverkusen on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, showing we compete we have been there," he said.

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