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Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" after an exchange with a camera operator in the wake of Manchester City's 2-1 defeat at Newcastle on Saturday.

When the match concluded, an emotional Guardiola stepped onto the field and engaged in intense talks with match official Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the headphones of the camera operator.

"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized 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, that’s for sure. Why I support my squad is no doubt – because from my experience to win the Premier League we need near-perfect totals, high nineties, or we fall short."

City's Position and Manager's Take

The team sits in third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points following their fourth loss 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 if this meant the quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, have you ever heard me about the quadruple in December during our historic run? Never."

Interaction with Guimarães

Regarding his confrontation with Guimarães, the coach explained: "We have known Bruno for many years and post-match, home or away, we converse. We often meet and I always have a good relationship. I love it. I’m an emotional guy, I like discussing and move my hands."

He wouldn't mind should a rival coach 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, mentioning the referee. "The referee was involved throughout the match, he was involved. Goodness, very much so."

Debatable Calls

The team felt aggrieved that Barrott or the VAR did not award City a penalty on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, and doubted Bruno's positioning on Barnes' goal the decisive strike. Pictures published later indicate the Brazilian was onside.

Next Big Match

Guardiola will take charge of his 100th Champions League game versus Leverkusen this week. "It’s quite good, it means that every season we have been there," he commented.

City have 10 points after four games in the group, while Leverkusen have five.