Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed his belief that the club's players and staff do not deserve the £97 million bonus that comes with winning the upcoming Club World Cup. This statement comes as City prepares for the expanded 32-team tournament set to take place in the United States, where they will compete alongside other elite clubs like Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich.

Despite the significant financial incentive associated with the tournament, Guardiola feels that the team's overall performance this season does not warrant any additional rewards. City has faced difficulties, including an early exit from the Champions League before the round of 16—a first for the club since 2013—and they currently sit in fifth place in the Premier League, under pressure to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

Guardiola emphasized that while the club may benefit from the bonus, the managers, players, and coaching staff do not deserve a share of it, stating, "We don't deserve a bonus this season." He further mentioned that even a small token of appreciation, like a watch, would not be justified given the team's struggles.

As City prepares to kick off their Club World Cup campaign against Moroccan side Wydad on June 18, they are also navigating uncertainties regarding player contracts, particularly with key players like Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan, whose contracts expire at the end of June. Guardiola confirmed that there have been no updates on De Bruyne's future and that the focus remains on completing the current season effectively.

This candid acknowledgment from Guardiola reflects the pressure the team faces as they seek to turn around a challenging season while aiming for success on the global stage.