Man City news: Pep Guardiola challenges football authorities

PEP GUARDIOLA has followed up his “ball-gate” rant by claiming the football authorities do not listen to managers or players.

Pep Guardiola GETTY

Pep Guardiola feels the powers that be in football do not listen to the players or managers

The Manchester City boss criticised the Mitre ball used by the Football League in the Carabao Cup this season by saying no-one consulted the people who have to use it – the players – although he declined the offer from the EFL to discuss his concerns.

“They never ask me, or any managers or players, about anything in football today,” he said. “Not here. Not anywhere.

“They decide absolutely everything in football. They decide competition. They decide which ball they are going to play with. They decide the time. They decide the schedule. They say go right, we go right. They say go left, we go left. They say that ball, we use that ball.

“They should consult the players, especially the players. The players and the managers don’t count for anything today in football.”

Meanwhile, Guardiola says he will not put pressure on Vincent Kompnay to retire from international football in a bid to ease his injury problems. Kompany, missing for two months with his latest calf problem, has hinted at hanging up his boots for Belgium even though they have qualified for next summer’s World Cup.

They should consult the players, especially the players. The players and the managers don’t count for anything today in football

Pep Guardiola

“Vincent knows exactly what he has to do better than me,” he said. “He knows his body. But the good news from our doctor in Barcelona was the same news the doctors told me here, so hopefully after the next international break, he will be ready.”

City go to West Brom with Albion boss Tony Pulis pleading with club chairman to be more patient with managers. Crystal Palace, Leicester and Everton have all sacked their bosses after just nine games and Pulis has come under fire on social media after Albion’s run of only two wins in their last 18 Premier League games.

“With social media they have a free for all to do what they want to do and say what they want to say, which is fine,” said Pulis.

“But that tough time can turn very quickly. It would be nice if other clubs and other chairmen held their ground a bit more.

“You’ve got to take criticism. You’ve got to understand that you’re there to be shot at and people are going to ask questions at times. I accept it. No one has put a gun to my head and I’ve been through it before. That breeze is blowing a bit stronger so you’ve got to lift your head and keep walking through it.”

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