'Not even a watch!' - Man City boss Pep Guardiola insists his players and coaches 'do not deserve a bonus' after nightmare season

The reigning Premier League champions, who have dominated English football in recent years, have endured a difficult campaign, failing to sustain their title challenge and crashing out of the Champions League before the knockout rounds. Their form has seen a significant drop compared to previous years, raising questions about the team’s future direction, moreso with key players like Kevin de Bruyne seeming to head towards the exit door.

Despite their struggles, Manchester City are set to receive a substantial financial windfall from their participation in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, which will be hosted in the United States. The newly expanded 32-team format promises lucrative rewards for the competing clubs, with European teams expected to take the lion’s share of the prize money. As Champions League winners in 2023, City automatically qualified for the tournament, joining other European heavyweights such as Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich. According to FIFA, City will receive at least £20 million ($25.9 million) just for taking part, while the eventual winners of the tournament will pocket around £97 million ($125.6 million)—a record sum in club football.

When asked whether this significant financial incentive could serve as a bonus for the players and coaching staff, Guardiola firmly rejected the notion.

“We do not deserve a bonus this season,” he told reporters. “If we win, I don’t know how much. It’s for the club, but the manager, the backroom staff, the players, we do not deserve a bonus. Not even a watch.”

City’s Club World Cup journey will begin on June 18 in Philadelphia, where they will face Moroccan champions Wydad Casablanca in their opening fixture. They have also been drawn in a group that includes Al Ain and Serie A giants Juventus.

Before turning their attention to international competition, City must first salvage their domestic campaign. Their immediate task is overcoming Bournemouth in the FA Cup this weekend, a crucial match as they aim for a place in the semi-finals. Meanwhile, securing a top-four finish in the Premier League remains an absolute priority to ensure Champions League football next season.