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Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" after an exchange with a TV crew member in the wake of Manchester City's 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies this past weekend.

When the match concluded, an emotional Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and engaged in intense talks with the referee, Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the broadcast crew's equipment.

"I said sorry," the manager remarked. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the operator. That's just me. With a thousand matches under my belt I’m not a perfect person, errors happen."

"One thing is certain, I defend any team and my club, that’s for sure. The reason 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, or we fall short."

Team Standing and Manager's Take

City are third and are seven behind the Gunners after what was their fourth league defeat of the season. "Losing four games out of 12 we have to improve a lot," Guardiola admitted. "Mathematically, it’s possible still achieve all."

The manager was asked about a potential quadruple was a realistic aim, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies in December when we won the quadruple? No."

Interaction with Guimarães

Regarding his confrontation with the Newcastle player, Guardiola said: "I've known him for many years and every time after the game, even at the Etihad, we converse. Our paths always cross and I always have a good relationship. I enjoy it. I’m an emotional guy, I love to talk and gesticulate."

He wouldn't mind if an opposition manager addressed his squad right after the final whistle. "Not if it's respectful like I always have done, it's fine," he noted, mentioning the referee. "The referee was involved throughout the match, he was involved. My God, very much so."

Debatable Calls

City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR did not award City a penalty 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 indicate the Brazilian was onside.

Next Big Match

Guardiola will take charge his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "That's impressive, showing we compete we have been there," he said.

City have 10 points after four games of the league phase, and Leverkusen hold five.