Photo credit: GETTY IMAGES
Pep Guardiola agrees with Mikel Arteta’s views following Manchester City’s 3-1 victory over Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup fifth round.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola agrees with the concerns raised by Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta regarding the quality of match balls used in domestic cup competitions. This validation from Guardiola has brought renewed attention to the issue, highlighting the challenges faced by teams in adapting to different equipment.
Arteta had previously voiced his frustration with the Carabao Cup ball, attributing Arsenal’s defeat in the semi-final against Newcastle United to the ball’s unique characteristics. He explained that the ball, manufactured by Puma, behaved differently compared to the Nike ball used in the Premier League, making it difficult for players to control and predict its flight.
Guardiola, following Manchester City’s 3-1 victory over Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup fifth round, said the same thing. He praised the Nike and Adidas balls used in the Premier League and UEFA Champions League, describing them as “exceptional,” but criticized the Mitre ball used in the FA Cup. Guardiola stated, “The ball in the Champions League is exceptional, the ball in the Premier League is exceptional, this one isn’t. It’s difficult to control. When you lose it, it sounds like you’re complaining, but the ball is not right.”
The Manchester City manager’s comments have added weight to Arteta’s complaint, as both managers have now publicly acknowledged the issue. Guardiola’s validation of Arteta’s concerns has sparked discussions among fans, players, and officials about the need for consistency in match ball quality across different competitions.
The English Football League (EFL) responded to Arteta’s initial complaint by stating that all clubs play with the same ball and that the Puma ball used in the Carabao Cup meets the FIFA Quality Pro standard. However, the ongoing criticism from high-profile managers like Arteta and Guardiola suggests that there may be room for improvement in ensuring that match balls provide a consistent playing experience.
It remains to be seen whether the governing bodies will take any action to address the concerns raised by Arteta and Guardiola. In the meantime, teams will need to adapt to the varying characteristics of match balls used in different competitions, a challenge that both Arsenal and Manchester City have experienced firsthand.
Pep Guardiola’s validation of Mikel Arteta’s complaint has brought the issue of match ball quality to the forefront of discussions in the football community. The acknowledgment from two of the Premier League’s most respected managers underscores the importance of consistency in equipment standards, and it will be interesting to see how this issue is addressed moving forward.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings