Toure hits out at Carabao Cup ball
Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has joined his manager in criticising the ball used in the Carabao Cup after Pep Guardiola had earlier described it as 'rubbish'.
Guardiola didn't hold back in his assessment of the ball following City's fourth round win over Wolves on penalties, claiming that the ball used 'was not a serious ball for a serious competition'.
'The ball was unacceptable for a high-level competition,' the Spaniard told the press after the game.
'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, OK. 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.'
The EFL hit back on Wednesday, insisting that the ball meets all the necessary requirements. A statement read: '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 Tuesday 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.'
Toure has now waded into the debate, suggesting that the ball would not even be used in his native Ivory Coast.
'I don't like it, to be honest,' he said. 'They can do better than that. It's too light. Even in my country they can't use those kind of balls. I think they have to be better than that because the ball was too soft.
'It's everything. Shooting, the ball is very light. When you touch it, it's floating. It's rubbish. And in this weather, it's difficult.'