Manchester City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, has downplayed the idea of receiving a bonus if the team wins the FIFA Club World Cup. “We don’t deserve it this season”, he stated, emphasizing that any potential victory would be for the benefit of the club, rather than personal gain. According to Guardiola, even a small token of appreciation, “not even a watch”, would be undeserved this season.
Background on the Team’s Season
With the FIFA Club World Cup approaching, Manchester City is preparing for the tournament, with Guardiola hoping for the return of key players, such as Rodri, as reported on 2025-03-29. The team has been navigating various challenges, including contract situations and criticism from external sources, with Guardiola deflecting questions on Kevin de Bruyne’s contract situation as recently as 2025-03-28. Despite these distractions, Guardiola has praised the commitment of players like Rico Lewis, highlighting the team’s resilience.
Guardiola’s Focus on the Club
Guardiola’s comments suggest that his focus is on the collective success of the team, rather than personal rewards. As the manager of Manchester City, he has consistently emphasized the importance of teamwork and dedication, as seen in his response to criticism from Capello on 2025-03-14. With the Club World Cup on the horizon, Guardiola’s priorities appear to be centered on securing a win for the club, rather than personal recognition or financial incentives.