Pep Guardiola has delivered a stark assessment of Manchester City's season, insisting his players don't deserve any bonuses even if they lift the Club World Cup.
The City manager was unequivocal in his judgement of their campaign.
'We don't deserve it this season,' Guardiola said. 'We don't deserve a bonus this season. Bonus if we win is for the club. Managers, staff, players we don't deserve it. Not even a watch.'
City are heading to Bournemouth on Sunday in the FA Cup.
Pep Guardiola has delivered a stark assessment of Manchester City's season, insisting his players don't deserve any bonuses even if they lift the Club World Cup
PA
They are striving to reach a seventh consecutive FA Cup semi-final amid what has been an indifferent campaign.
The Premier League champions are battling to qualify for next year's Champions League.
City's form has dipped considerably in recent weeks.
They have won just two of their last six league games, putting their European qualification at risk.
Man City have struggled for consistency as they prepare to meet Bournemouth in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup this weekend
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This downturn comes during a season that has fallen short of the high standards set in previous campaigns.
The Club World Cup, to be held in America across June and July, offers a substantial financial incentive for participants.
Winners could receive up to £97million based on various factors, which would significantly boost City's summer transfer budget.
City typically rewards Guardiola and top players with seven-figure bonuses for Champions League victories.
The current holders face a challenging group stage in the tournament.
They will compete against Wydad, Al Ain and Juventus in their group.
There's also the possibility of meeting Real Madrid in the early knockout rounds.
Guardiola admitted that the club remains uncertain about Kevin De Bruyne's future, with the Belgian midfielder's contract expiring at the end of the season.
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The situation is further complicated by the Club World Cup's timing.
City would need to negotiate a two-week extension with De Bruyne if he were to participate in the tournament.
The midfielder's potential departure would be significant for City, as he has long been the club's undisputed talisman.
Despite the challenges, Guardiola sees this difficult period as a valuable learning opportunity for the club.
Pep Guardiola will be eager to guide Man City to a seventh FA Cup semi-final in a row when they lock horns with Bournemouth
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'We will learn,' he added. 'In good moments we learn and bad moments. Experiences happen many times and we don't learn and happens again.'
The City boss suggested the season has provided personal growth as well.
'A good lesson for me personally, I've learned a lot and hopefully for the club as well,' he added.
