Pep Guardiola: Man City not worthy of bonuses this season

By SABC Sport
28th March 2025

Pep Guardiola has made it clear that Manchester City's players and staff do not deserve to receive bonuses this season, as the team's performance has fallen short of expectations.

Currently sitting in fifth place in the Premier League with only nine games left, City's campaign has also been marked by their failure to advance past the round of 16 in the Champions League. While they still have the FA Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup in sight - with the latter offering a 97 million pounds reward - Guardiola insists that no one at the club has done enough to merit a bonus.

"We haven't earned it this season," Guardiola stated in a press conference. "Bonuses are for winners, but we haven't lived up to those standards. No one - not the players, not the staff, not the managers - deserves one this time. Not even a watch."

As City returns from the international break, their immediate focus is the FA Cup quarterfinal clash with Bournemouth on Sunday, where they aim to keep their hopes for silverware alive.

There had been anticipation that the international break might provide a resolution to the Premier League's ongoing investigation into City, but Guardiola suggested that any verdict might still be weeks away, perhaps extending into next month.

"We've been dealing with this for over a year, so another few weeks won't make much of a difference," Guardiola said, displaying his patience on the matter.

Guardiola's attention is firmly set on securing a spot in the FA Cup semifinals, a goal that would keep the team's pursuit of trophies alive. After that, attention will shift to the Premier League match against Leicester City at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.

With Manchester City also participating in the Club World Cup in the U.S., their season may stretch into July. Guardiola also touched on the potential return of midfielder Rodri, who has been sidelined since September with a knee injury. While Guardiola expressed hope that Rodri could return soon, he was cautious about rushing the player back before he's fully ready.

"I'd love for him to be able to play soon," Guardiola said. "It would be fantastic if he could be available for the next match, but we have to make sure we don't take any unnecessary risks. He's looked good in training, but match fitness is a different challenge. We'll see how he progresses."