Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has made headlines with his latest comments regarding performance bonuses for the Club World Cup, stating that neither the players nor the staff deserve them due to the team’s struggles this season. His remarks come at a time when City faces significant challenges in both domestic and European competitions.
Guardiola’s Surprising Stance on Bonuses
Guardiola, who has previously been known for rewarding his staff generously, took a firm stance on the matter. He argued that City’s performance this season has not met expectations, and therefore, additional financial incentives should not be granted. The Club World Cup, an expanded tournament set to take place in the summer of 2025, offers massive financial rewards, with a total prize pool of approximately $1 billion (£775 million). However, Guardiola believes that any earnings should go directly to the club rather than being distributed as bonuses.
His statement has sparked debate among fans and analysts, particularly given his history of showing appreciation for his coaching staff and club employees. Just last year, Guardiola gifted £10,000 to each of his first-team staff members, including security personnel, kit managers, and physiotherapists, as a token of gratitude for their work. That gesture alone cost him over £500,000. Additionally, in June 2023, he donated his Premier League title bonus—reportedly around £750,000—to club employees, including receptionists and security staff.
Despite his past generosity, Guardiola is now prioritizing the club’s long-term stability and focusing on improving the team’s form rather than offering additional rewards for past achievements.
City’s Struggles This Season
Manchester City, who have dominated English football in recent years, are experiencing an underwhelming campaign. As of late March 2025, they find themselves 22 points behind league leaders Liverpool, making their hopes of retaining the Premier League title virtually impossible. Additionally, their early exits from both the Champions League and the League Cup have raised concerns about their overall performance.
While City are still in contention for the FA Cup, with a quarter-final clash against Bournemouth on the horizon, this remains their only realistic chance at domestic silverware. Guardiola has emphasized the importance of securing qualification for next season’s Champions League, a key objective for the club’s future.
The Club World Cup: Financial Incentives and Controversy
The 2025 Club World Cup will feature an expanded format with 32 teams competing for lucrative prizes. Chelsea and Manchester City, as English representatives, stand to earn close to £100 million each if they perform well in the tournament.
Despite the financial benefits, the tournament has been met with criticism. Many have voiced concerns over increased player workload, with an already congested football calendar putting additional strain on athletes. FIFA’s decision to expand the Club World Cup has been viewed by some as prioritizing financial gain over player welfare.
The tournament is set to take place in the United States, running from June 14 to July 13, 2025, with the final to be held in New York.
Guardiola’s Future and City’s Next Steps
Guardiola’s recent comments not only reflect his dissatisfaction with the team’s performance but also suggest a shift in mentality, where success is expected rather than rewarded. Some speculate that his statements may be aimed at motivating his squad to finish the season strongly and reclaim their dominance next year.
Additionally, City remain under scrutiny regarding their alleged breaches of Premier League financial regulations, a case that could impact their future stability. While Guardiola has dismissed concerns over potential punishments, the situation remains a key talking point in English football.
As City move forward, Guardiola’s focus will be on securing a top-four finish, advancing in the FA Cup, and preparing for the Club World Cup. Whether his tough stance on bonuses will have a positive or negative impact on squad morale remains to be seen.
