Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola appeared in a press statement following the 2-1 loss to Newcastle United in the twelfth round of the English Premier League.

The defender said in his statement, "It was a tough match from all aspects for both teams. It was a fiercely contested game, with chances for both sides. We had many opportunities but didn't score more, and we need to be better in that regard. They converted their chances, and we have to improve."

He added: "Everyone knows how strong they are on their home ground. The first match after the international break is always complicated, and we fought as best as we could. It's always a period of adjustment. We simply have to be better."

On the video technology decisions: "I feel that the first-half incident with Phil Foden was a very clear penalty, as they said, but I won’t dwell on that. Among all the decisions, only their second goal is what we need to understand. What’s the logic in pushing their player into our goalkeeper and pushing him away from the goal? What is allowed and until when? The problem is that sometimes it’s allowed and sometimes it’s not, so what can we do? On the second goal, Gigio (Donnarumma) was pushed out of his area with no decision being made."

He emphasized: "I watched the clip later; I didn't see it on the field. I saw the replay, and I think Harvey Paris was the one who pushed him away from the goal. We are very strict with some contacts, but in contacts like these with the goalkeeper, they are overlooked. If this is the rule now, that's fine... but then let's do the same. Previously, this was a clear foul, and now it seems to be allowed. Some will say you're making excuses when you lose, but today Newcastle were better. They deserved to win because they took advantage of their chances better. There should be a clear rule."

He concluded: "We felt that we could press again. They are a strong team, and after we scored, they immediately came back and took the lead once more. In the end, it was difficult to find space. We fought until the very last moment and will keep trying."