The tournament, set to take place in the summer of 2025, will feature an expanded format with 32 teams competing for what is now the most lucrative prize pot in club football.
European clubs are expected to receive the largest financial rewards, with Manchester City and Chelsea among the biggest beneficiaries after securing their spots through Champions League triumphs in 2023 and 2021, respectively.
Despite the potential windfall, Guardiola dismissed the notion that his players and staff should receive a financial bonus, citing the club’s disappointing performances throughout the 2024-25 season.
“We Don’t Deserve a Bonus This Season”
City, who have set high standards under Guardiola, were unexpectedly eliminated from the Champions League before the last-16 stage for the first time since 2013.
In the Premier League, they currently find themselves outside the top four, sitting fifth and battling to secure a Champions League qualification spot for next season.
Reflecting on the club’s campaign, Guardiola was adamant that the players and coaching staff had not met the performance levels required to justify additional rewards.
“We don’t deserve a bonus this season,” Guardiola told reporters. “The bonus, if you win, I don’t know how much, it’s for the club. The managers, the backroom staff, the players, we don’t deserve – not even a watch.”
Guardiola’s comments underline his frustration with City’s underwhelming season, a stark contrast to their historic treble-winning campaign in 2022-23.
The club has struggled with consistency in both domestic and European competitions, raising concerns over their ability to maintain the dominance they have enjoyed in recent years.
Tough Competition at the Club World Cup
The expanded Club World Cup will see Europe’s elite teams, including Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain, battle against top clubs from South America, Africa, and Asia.
While City have a strong squad, their recent form suggests they will face a significant challenge in lifting the trophy.
For Guardiola, the focus remains on improving performances rather than financial incentives. His statement reflects a desire to keep his players grounded amid a difficult season.
City’s Battle for Champions League Qualification
With their domestic campaign still ongoing, Manchester City faces a critical battle to finish in the Premier League’s top four.
Failure to do so would be a massive setback for the club, not just in terms of sporting prestige but also financially, as missing out on Champions League football could impact future transfers and sponsorship deals.
City will need to find a resurgence in form if they hope to compete at the highest level both in the Premier League and in international tournaments like the Club World Cup.
Guardiola’s blunt remarks serve as a wake-up call to his squad, emphasizing that financial rewards should be earned through success, not just participation.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
