The City boss confessed experiencing "embarrassment" after an exchange with a camera operator subsequent to Manchester City's loss away to the Magpies on Saturday.
At full time, a visibly upset Guardiola stepped onto the field and engaged in intense talks with match official Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the headphones of the camera operator.
"I said sorry," the manager remarked. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, looking back. I don’t like it. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. That's just me. With a thousand matches under my belt I'm far from perfect, I make huge mistakes."
"What is for sure, I stand by my team and club, without a doubt. The reason why I want to defend my team is no doubt – based on my career to win the Premier League we need near-perfect totals, 98 points, otherwise we don’t win it."
Team Standing and Guardiola's Assessment
City are third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points after what was their fourth league defeat of the season. "Four defeats in twelve matches we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible still achieve all."
When questioned if this meant the quadruple could be achieved, he responded: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk about the quadruple in December when we won the quadruple? Never."
Interaction with Guimarães
Regarding his confrontation with the Newcastle player, Guardiola said: "We have known Bruno a long time and post-match, even at the Etihad, we converse. We often meet and we get along well. I love it. I'm passionate, I like discussing and gesticulate."
He wouldn't mind if an opposition manager addressed his squad immediately after a game. "No - as long as you talk with respect 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 denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, and doubted if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal the decisive strike. Pictures published later show he was level.
Next Big Match
Guardiola will take charge of his 100th Champions League game versus Leverkusen on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, showing we compete we have been there," he commented.
The club has ten points from four matches of the league phase, and Leverkusen hold five.
