The City boss confessed experiencing "embarrassment" after a confrontation with a camera operator subsequent to Manchester City's 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies on Saturday.
At full time, an emotional Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and engaged in intense talks with the referee, Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the headphones of the camera operator.
"I said sorry," the manager remarked. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. I don’t like it. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. I am who I am. After 1,000 games I'm far from perfect, 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 clear – because from my experience to win the Premier League we need near-perfect totals, high nineties, or we fall short."
Team Standing and Manager's Take
City are third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points after what was their fourth league defeat of the season. "Losing four games out of 12 means we must do better," Guardiola admitted. "Technically, we can to win everything."
When questioned if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, have you ever heard me discuss four trophies in December when we won the quadruple? Never."
Exchange with Bruno
Regarding his confrontation with the Newcastle player, 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 I always have a good relationship. I love it. I'm passionate, I love to talk and gesticulate."
He wouldn't mind if an opposition manager addressed his squad immediately after a game. "Not if you talk with respect as I do, it’s not a problem," he noted, mentioning the referee. "The referee was involved throughout the match, constantly. Goodness, he was involved."
Debatable Calls
City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR denied a spot-kick for a Fabian Schär challenge against Foden, while they also questioned if Guimarães was offside when Harvey Barnes scored the decisive strike. Pictures published later show he was level.
Upcoming Milestone
He will manage his century in Europe versus Leverkusen this week. "It’s quite good, showing we compete annually," he said.
City have 10 points from four matches in the group, and Leverkusen hold five.
