Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has stated that his squad and staff do not deserve any performance bonuses from the upcoming Club World Cup, despite the tournament offering a staggering total prize pool of $1 billion. Winners of the tournament, set to take place from June 14 to July 13, stand to earn up to $125 million, but Guardiola firmly believes that, given the team's disappointing season, any rewards should be redirected to the club instead of the players and staff.

As reported by BBC, City's campaign has been characterized by struggles, including an exit from the Champions League at the knockout stage—an occurrence that hasn't happened since 2013. Currently, the team trails Premier League leaders Liverpool by 22 points, placing them fifth in the league table, and they face increasing pressure to secure qualification for next season's Champions League.

Guardiola expressed his sentiments clearly, stating, "We don't deserve a bonus this season. The bonus, if you win, is for the club. The manager, backroom staff, and players don't deserve it— not even a watch!" This admission reflects the changing dynamics within the squad as they look ahead to potential success in the FA Cup, their only remaining opportunity for domestic silverware this season.

The FA Cup quarter-finals loom as City prepares to face Bournemouth on Sunday, a fixture that follows a defeat earlier this season. Guardiola emphasized the importance of learning from both triumphs and setbacks, stating, "You learn in the good moments and the bad moments." He remains focused on the growth and future direction of the club.

Despite the ongoing scrutiny regarding alleged breaches of the Premier League's financial regulations—which could result in significant penalties including fines or points deductions—Guardiola noted that speculation does not affect his squad. He insisted that they have been living with uncertainty regarding these matters for over a year, and "nothing will change with one more week, or two more weeks..." as the team aims to maintain their composure and focus on game performance.

For more insights on Guardiola's statements and Manchester City's season, see the comprehensive analysis from Channel News Asia and Reuters.