Pep Guardiola insists Manchester City players don't deserve a bonus for Club World Cup win

In Manchester, England, Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, expressed his thoughts regarding the impending 32-team Club World Cup set to take place in the United States from June 14 to July 13, 2025. Despite the potential for a significant prize fund of approximately $100 million for the winners, Guardiola firmly believes that neither he nor his players deserve a financial bonus. His comments come in light of the team's subpar performance this season, where they have fallen out of contention for a fifth consecutive Premier League title, currently sitting in fifth place. Additionally, Manchester City failed to progress in both the Champions League and Carabao Cup, leading Guardiola to reflect critically on his squad's achievements. Guardiola pointed out the struggles the team has faced this season, particularly the impact of injuries, especially that of star midfielder Rodri, who has been sidelined for the remainder of the campaign due to an ACL injury. The absence of key players has compounded the team's challenges, making Guardiola's stance on financial rewards reflect a broader sentiment about the need to earn success on the pitch before seeking accolades off it. Guardiola firmly stated, "We don’t deserve a bonus this season. Not even a watch," emphasizing that the potential winnings from the Club World Cup should be seen as a reward for the club rather than for individual accomplishments. The manager's comments strike a chord with fans who are also planning protests regarding ticket-selling practices and sponsorships surrounding the tournament, as supporters feel the financial rewards should be secondary to the team's performance and stability.