Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has taken aim at the Mitre Ultimax Pro ball used in the FA Cup, blaming it for his team’s shooting struggles during their 3-1 win over Plymouth Argyle.
Despite securing a place in the quarter-finals, Guardiola was less than pleased with the match ball, pointing out that 20 of City’s 29 shots were off target.
“The ball in the Champions League is exceptional, the ball in the Premier League is exceptional, this one isn’t,” Guardiola stated. “It is difficult to control.”
His remarks have reignited debates over the quality of footballs used in domestic competitions. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta previously criticized the Puma ball in the Carabao Cup, claiming it affected shooting accuracy.
The Football Association (FA) quickly responded to Guardiola’s complaints, defending the Mitre Ultimax Pro as a FIFA certified ball that meets international standards and has been used successfully in other European leagues.
Despite the controversy, City’s march toward another trophy continues as they prepare to face Bournemouth in the FA Cup quarter-finals. Whether Guardiola’s concerns will spark a wider review of the ball’s performance remains to be seen.
