“Not Even a Watch” – Pep Takes Hard Stance as Club World Cup Offers £97m Prize Windfall
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has bluntly stated that his players and staff “do not deserve a bonus” for their performances this season, despite the club standing to earn up to £97 million in the upcoming Club World Cup.
The admission comes after a turbulent campaign that saw City crash out of the Champions League early, suffer shock Premier League defeats, and fall a staggering 22 points behind leaders Liverpool. Guardiola, visibly frustrated during Friday’s press conference, dismissed the idea of financial rewards for a season he clearly views as below standard.
“The money would be for the club, but the coach, the staff, the players do not deserve a bonus,” he said. “Not even a watch.” His stern words follow a dramatic dip in form that began last autumn after Rodri’s season-ending ACL injury, leading to humbling losses against Bournemouth, Brighton, and a 4-1 Champions League thrashing by Sporting Lisbon.
Despite their struggles, City remain favorites in the expanded 32-team Club World Cup, where they could bank £40 million just for advancing past the group stage. Their campaign kicks off against Wydad AC on June 18, with Juventus looming as a key group-stage opponent.
But for Guardiola—who once set the highest standards with treble-winning seasons—this year’s setbacks have left a bitter taste. As the tournament approaches, his message is clear: pride, not payouts, should drive his team’s redemption.
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