Despite Manchester City’s qualification for the expanded Club World Cup in the United States this summer, manager Pep Guardiola has dismissed the notion that his team deserves any share of the £97 million prize money that comes with winning the tournament.
Speaking candidly, Guardiola criticized the team’s overall performance this season, highlighting their elimination from the Champions League before the last-16 stage and their struggles in the Premier League, where they currently sit fifth.
“We don’t deserve a bonus this season,” he remarked. “The bonus, if you win, is for the club. The managers, the backroom staff, the players—we don’t deserve even a watch.”
City, who earned their place in the Club World Cup by winning the Champions League in 2023, will begin their campaign on June 18 against Moroccan side Wydad in Philadelphia.
They share their group with Al Ain from Abu Dhabi and Italian giants Juventus. Other European heavyweights, including Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain, will also be competing in the tournament.
The Premier League announced a brief transfer window from June 1-10, allowing teams to strengthen their squads ahead of the knockout phase.
However, uncertainty remains over the involvement of City stars Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan, whose contracts are set to expire on June 30. Guardiola confirmed no updates regarding De Bruyne’s future, stating, “It’s a question for the club and Kevin.”
