Pep Guardiola blames 'unacceptable' Mitre ball as Manchester City need penalties to beat Wolves: 'I'm sorry, Carabao Cup, it is not a serious ball'

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Pep Guardiola bizarrely blamed the match ball after Manchester City beat Wolves on penalties to scrape into the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.

City's reserve goalkeeper Claudio Bravo saved twice in the shootout to rescue the Premier League leaders following a goalless draw at the Etihad.

But Guardiola criticised the Mitre ball used in the competition, saying it was too light compared to the Nike version favoured by the Premier League.

The Mitre ball takes centre stage as it is held by Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan during a discussion by Yaya Toure. Their boss Pep Guardiola complained about it after the game

Pep Guardiola said the cup's Mitre match ball was 'unacceptable' for high-level competition

If he had any, Pep Guardiola would have been pulling his hair out as he watched at The Etihad

'The ball was unacceptable for a high-level competition,' said Guardiola, whose side City have their kit provided by Nike, the Premier League's ball manufacturer, in a £20m-a-year deal. 

'It is too light. It moves all over the place. It is not a good ball. It's impossible to score with a ball like that, and I can say that because we won.

'I'm not making excuses. All of my players said: "What is that?". 

'I'm sorry, Carabao Cup, it is not a serious ball for a serious competition. It's marketing, money, okay. But it's not acceptable. No weight, nothing.

'One day or two days, but the ball is bad for one year or two years. All the players complain.'

City star Jesus heads the Mitre ball as he leads his side through the tunnel before the game

Gundogan appears to have no problems as he dribbles with the under-fire match ball

Forgotten man Claudio Bravo saved Manchester City from a Carabao Cup fourth round exit

Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo responded: 'I can't compare them. It is our ball in both competitions (Championship and Carabao Cup). The only difference is the colour.'

On Wednesday the EFL responded to the criticism by saying it would work with Guardiola before the next round of fixtures.

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It said in a statement: 'The Mitre ball used in this season’s Carabao Cup is of exactly the same technical specification as the balls used in the Sky Bet EFL and Checkatrade Trophy, all of which are tested in accordance with the "FIFA Quality Programme for Footballs" and meet the "FIFA Quality Pro" standard. 

'All balls used in the professional game are required to meet this standard.

'Clearly, preference is a subjective matter, but overall the entertainment provided across last night’s Round Four ties would suggest that the ball used is not having a negative impact in the competition.

'We will look to engage with Mr Guardiola and Manchester City to fully understand any concerns in advance of their Round Five tie.'

Mitre also defended the ball, saying: 'As a British football brand, we’re extremely proud of our long-standing history and partnership with EFL and the beautiful game at all levels.

'As the EFL statement confirmed earlier today, the Mitre ball used in this season’s Carabao Cup is of exactly the same technical specification as the balls used in the Sky Bet EFL and Checkatrade Trophy, all of which are tested in accordance with the "FIFA Quality Programme for Footballs” and meet the “FIFA Quality Pro" standard. All balls used in the professional game are required to meet this standard.

'We’re passionate about the game and obsessed about everything related to ball technology. We work with professional players and clubs to develop and test our pro balls and independent testing by EMPA.

'We totally appreciate that all balls feel different and that’s why we made sure competing teams were sent balls well ahead of the tournament for training.' 

P.S. HERE'S HOW CITY USED THE BALLS IN TRAINING BEFORE THE GAME

City stars prepare for the Wolves clash at their training ground - using Mitre Delta EFL balls

MITRE DELTA EFL vs NIKE ORDEM V 

Mitre Delta EFL

Manufacturer's description: It is 'engineered with revolutionary Hyperseam technology for rapid speed, ultimate control and increased durability'.

Features: Bonded seams for protection against water, embossed surface 'to enhance airflow', FIFA Quality Pro stamped

Used by: Championship, League One, League Two

Weight: 420-445g 

Price: £115 

Nike Ordem V

Manufacturer's description: It 'features Nike Aerowtrac grooves and a micro-textured casing for true flight, accuracy and control'.

Features: 12 panels, 'fuse-welded' synthetic leather casing, 'enhanced' graphics to aid visibility  

Used by: Premier League

Price: £99

Laws of the game - rule 2: The ball

 

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