Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has made a surprising admission, claiming that neither he nor his players deserve bonuses this season—even if they secure the FIFA Club World Cup and its staggering £96.5 million prize money. The Catalan coach, known for his relentless pursuit of perfection, delivered the blunt assessment following City’s recent Premier League victory over Luton Town, suggesting that the team’s performances have not met their usual sky-high standards.
Guardiola’s comments came as a shock to many, given Manchester City’s continued presence at the top of English and European football. The club has already lifted the UEFA Super Cup this season and remains in contention for a second consecutive treble, with the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup still within reach. Yet, the 52-year-old manager believes his side has not been at their best, insisting that financial rewards should reflect performance levels.
“If we win the Club World Cup, it would be incredible—but honestly, I don’t think we deserve extra money for it,” Guardiola said. “The players and staff earn good salaries, and bonuses should come when you exceed expectations. Right now, I don’t feel we’ve done that.”
His remarks highlight the ruthless mentality that has defined his tenure at the Etihad. Despite City’s dominance in recent years, Guardiola remains unsatisfied, constantly pushing his squad to improve. This season, however, he has acknowledged a slight dip in intensity, with injuries to key players like Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland disrupting their rhythm at times.
The FIFA Club World Cup, set to take place in Saudi Arabia next month, offers an eye-watering £96.5 million prize pool, with the winners set to pocket a significant portion. For most clubs, such a windfall would trigger automatic bonus clauses in player and managerial contracts. Yet Guardiola’s stance suggests that City’s hierarchy may take a more measured approach to rewarding success this term.
Given the club’s recent financial scrutiny—including 115 Premier League charges for alleged breaches of Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules—Guardiola’s comments could also be interpreted as a subtle nod toward fiscal responsibility. City have always maintained their innocence regarding the charges, but the manager’s insistence on merit-based bonuses may resonate with those who believe football’s financial ecosystem needs greater restraint.
Guardiola’s players have yet to publicly respond to his remarks, but sources within the dressing room suggest that his words have been taken as a challenge rather than criticism. “Pep always sets the highest standards,” one insider revealed. “The lads know he’s not saying they’ve been bad—just that they can be even better.”
Indeed, City’s squad is no stranger to Guardiola’s mind games. The manager has often used the media to motivate his team, whether by downplaying their achievements or setting seemingly impossible targets. Last season, he famously claimed the Premier League title race was “over” months before it was, only for City to surge ahead when it mattered most.
With the Club World Cup on the horizon, the champions of Europe will be heavy favorites to add another global trophy to their cabinet. Yet Guardiola’s reluctance to celebrate prematurely underscores his belief that true greatness is measured by consistency, not just silverware.
Guardiola’s comments also tap into a wider debate about performance-related pay in elite football. In an era where player wages and transfer fees continue to skyrocket, some argue that bonuses have become an expectation rather than a reward. Former players and pundits have long questioned whether financial incentives still hold the same motivational power when top stars already earn millions.
Jamie Carragher, the Liverpool legend turned Sky Sports analyst, weighed in on the discussion, praising Guardiola’s stance. “It’s refreshing to hear a manager say that success shouldn’t just mean more money,” Carragher said. “Too often, clubs throw cash around without asking if it’s truly deserved. Pep’s setting a different standard.”
Others, however, believe bonuses remain a crucial part of football’s reward structure. “Players and staff work under immense pressure,” argued former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand. “If they deliver trophies, they should be compensated accordingly.”
As City prepare for their Club World Cup campaign, Guardiola’s words will linger over the squad. Will they use his challenge as fuel to elevate their game further? Or will the weight of expectation—and the manager’s high standards—prove a burden?
For now, the focus remains on the pitch. With key players returning from injury and crucial fixtures ahead, City have the chance to silence any doubts. And if they do clinch the Club World Cup, Guardiola may yet soften his stance—even if only slightly.
One thing is certain: in Pep Guardiola’s world, success is never guaranteed, and rewards must always be earned. Whether his players agree with his latest assessment could determine just how much more this team achieves in the months to come.
