Pep Guardiola Expresses Shame Regarding Conduct at Newcastle Fixture

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola admitted feeling "embarrassed and ashamed" about his actions when he confronted a cameraman immediately after the 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United on Saturday.

Guardiola lost his temper after being captured on camera at close range right after the final whistle, during conversations with Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and the game officials.

The incident stemmed from his frustration over the referee's call to allow Newcastle's decisive goal in the 70th minute at St James' Park, as City players argued that their goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma had been impeded.

During a press conference on Monday, ahead of the Champions League clash with Bayer Leverkusen, the City head coach revealed he had already offered an apology for his outburst.

"Whenever I review that moment I feel embarrassed and ashamed," he explained. "It is not something I enjoy. I said sorry to the cameraman within seconds. I remain the same person I have always been. After managing over 1,000 matches I am still far from perfect. That was a major error on my part. It happened because I was trying to protect my players and my club."

This result represented Manchester City's fourth Premier League loss this term, leaving them in third position, trailing leaders Arsenal by seven points.

However Guardiola indicated that the setback against Newcastle had been swiftly put behind them, with focus now shifting to the Champions League encounter.

Manchester City sit fourth in the 36-team league stage following an impressive opening to their continental campaign.

Midfield duo Rodri and Mateo Kovacic will miss Tuesday's fixture against Leverkusen due to injury.

Guardiola mentioned there was no firm timeline for Rodri's recovery, though he expected the player to resume training soon.

"We plan to give it a bit more time to confirm he is fully recovered," he added.