Manchester City's manager Expresses Remorse Over Broadcast Crew Incident Following Defeat to Magpies

Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" following an exchange with a camera operator 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, and also touched the broadcast crew's equipment.

"I said sorry," Guardiola stated. "I'm humiliated, regretful, when I see it. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the operator. I am who I am. After 1,000 games I’m not a perfect person, I make huge mistakes."

"What is for sure, I stand by my team and club, that’s for sure. Why I want to defend my team is no doubt – based on my career to win the Premier League we have to do 100 points, 98 points, otherwise we don’t win it."

Team Standing and Guardiola's Assessment

The team sits in third and are seven behind the Gunners following their fourth loss 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 if this meant the quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, have you ever heard me discuss four trophies last winter during our historic run? No."

Interaction with Guimarães

Regarding his confrontation with Guimarães, the coach explained: "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 like discussing and gesticulate."

He wouldn't mind should a rival coach addressed his squad immediately after a game. "Not if you talk with respect as I do, it's fine," he noted, before referencing Barrott. "He was part of it throughout the match, constantly. Goodness, he was involved."

Debatable Calls

City were unhappy that the officials denied a spot-kick for a Fabian Schär challenge on Phil Foden, while they also questioned if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Pictures published later show he was level.

Next Big Match

Guardiola will take charge his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, it means that every season annually," he commented.

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