Atlanta, June 22, 2025 – Pep Guardiola delivered a candid message ahead of Manchester City’s next match in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup: even a global title wouldn’t compensate for their underwhelming 2024–25 season. Guardiola, who oversees City’s attempt at redemption in the 32-team tournament, remains laser-focused on performance—not nostalgia or consolation prizes.
Underlines of a Troubled Season
For the first time since 2012–13, City failed to reach the Champions League round of 16—knocked out by Real Madrid in the knockout playoffs. They also missed out on a fifth consecutive Premier League crown, finishing third in the table.
Guardiola hasn’t hesitated to shoulder the blame. Earlier this year, he described the campaign as “really poor” and admitted he fell short in guiding the team through its challenges.
Club World Cup Context: Redemption, Not Repair
Despite City’s rough season, Guardiola has led the club to four previous Club World Cup wins, including their maiden victory in 2023. But the competition’s new 32-team format elevates expectations.
Following their 2–0 opening win over Wydad Casablanca, City face Al-Ain in Group G. A win would guarantee progression to the round of 16, but Guardiola emphasized:
“Winning this competition is not going to change that… my mindset is not about winning the competition. We can extend our time here, being here longer.”.
He also urged his players to enjoy the rare opportunity—this tournament comes around only once every four years .
Bonuses, Watches & Accountability
Back in March, Guardiola set a firm tone around potential rewards. Reflecting on City’s poor domestic form, he dismissed any notion of performance bonuses, stating “we don’t deserve a bonus this season… not even a watch”. His message: prizes are for club success, and players must earn them through excellence.
That stance extended to the Club World Cup—Guardiola reiterated that any reward from victory should benefit Manchester City at large, not the individuals .
Key Reasons Behind the Season’s Slide
- Champions League Disappointment: First failure to reach the last 16 since 2012–13, ending a long-standing run.
- Domestic Stagnation: A third-place finish, trailing behind Liverpool and Arsenal, signaled a clear dip in what had been dominance .
- Managerial Admission: Guardiola owned up to form flaws, abeling his own contribution “really poor” and acknowledging that he needed to navigate adversity better .
The Road Ahead: Club World Cup as Launchpad
Guardiola’s aim isn’t to redeem the past, but to inspire a new era. With City advancing in the tournament, he urges the squad to treat each match with intensity and ambition. He stressed that this Club World Cup is distinct—a fresh stage and a separate challenge .
Progress in Atlanta could restore momentum ahead of the 2025–26 season—but Guardiola is clear: winning won’t magically rewrite a season of underperformance.
Summary: Clear Vision, Clear Standards
- Pep Guardiola bluntly states: A Club World Cup win won’t erase City’s shortcomings.
- Season facts: No league title, Champions League disappointment, and public manager accountability.
- Philosophy: Rewards are conditional—City must earn everything through results.
- Outlook: The tournament offers a fresh start, but success requires focus and humility.
Manchester City now marches into their next Group G fixture not just chasing silverware, but looking to build a new foundation of belief and accountability under Guardiola’s principled leadership.
