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The City boss confessed feeling "shame" following a confrontation with a TV crew member in the wake of the Citizens' 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies this past weekend.

At full time, an emotional Guardiola stepped onto the field and had heated discussions with match official Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the headphones of the camera operator.

"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, looking back. 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, errors happen."

"What is for sure, 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, 98 points, or we fall short."

Team Standing and Guardiola's Assessment

The team sits in third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points after what was their fourth league defeat of the season. "Losing four games out of 12 we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."

When questioned about a potential quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies last winter during our historic run? Never."

Interaction with Guimarães

On the subject of his talk with Guimarães, the coach explained: "We have known Bruno a long time and post-match, even at the Etihad, we talk in the tunnel. Our paths always cross and I always have a good relationship. I enjoy it. I'm passionate, I love to talk and gesticulate."

Guardiola would not be concerned should a rival coach spoke to his players immediately after a game. "No - as long as you talk with respect like I always have done, it's fine," he noted, mentioning the referee. "The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. 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 against Foden, while they also questioned Bruno's positioning on Barnes' goal Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Pictures published later indicate the Brazilian was onside.

Upcoming Milestone

He will manage his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, it means that every season annually," he commented.

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