Pep Guardiola, Manchester City’s manager, delivered a blunt assessment of his team’s performance this season, stating that neither he nor the players deserve any bonuses, not even for their potential success in the Club World Cup.
During a press conference on Friday, when asked about the financial incentives tied to the tournament, Guardiola dismissed the notion of rewarding his squad for their efforts.
“We do not deserve a bonus this season,” he said. “The money would be for the club, but the coach, the staff, the players do not deserve a bonus. Not even a watch.”
City’s current fifth-place standing in the Premier League has fallen well short of the club’s lofty expectations, and Guardiola was quick to acknowledge that their performance has been subpar by their usual high standards.
Looking ahead to the Club World Cup, Manchester City have been drawn in Group G, where they will face Moroccan club Wydad in Philadelphia, UAE’s Al Ain in Atlanta, and Italian powerhouse Juventus in Orlando.
Guardiola’s candid remarks reflect his disappointment in the team’s overall output this season, signaling that both he and the squad have much to improve before they can expect any accolades or rewards.