Pep Guardiola spends around £700k of his own money ‘gifting every first-team employee at Man City a bonus’ for helping them win the Premier League last season

Pep Guardiola has reportedly gifted a generous present of £10,000 to each member of Manchester City’s first-team staff.

The lucky recipients included employees at the club’s training base, such as chefs, receptionists, physiotherapists, baristas, security staff, and kit men.

According to The Times, the Spanish manager’s generosity was an effort to bolster a stronger connection between his players and other staff members.

Guardiola believes a more powerful relationship and sense of togetherness could lead to more triumphs, as it was evident last campaign when the Citizens clinched their fourth consecutive Premier League title.

It is understood that Guardiola has spent between £600,000 and £700,000 in order to personally thank between 60 and 70 staff members.

The Spaniard is keen to strengthen the connection and sense of togetherness between his players and employees

Previously, the manager highlighted the importance of a ‘really good’ atmosphere in the team after they won their fourth consecutive Premier League title

The news emerged after Guardiola highlighted the importance of an excellent atmosphere among his players and employees last season: ‘More or less these years we have been perfectly together, players, club, staff, backroom staff.’

‘The mood is really good and has been for many years,’ he added.

The strong connection between the club’s employees and players, combined with a precise transfer strategy, has been a critical factor in winning six Premier League trophies since the arrival of the former Barcelona manager at the Etihad.

However, Guardiola’s side has attracted more attention from the football world with their departures rather than with their signings, after Julian Alvarez successfully completed his £81million switch to Atletico Madrid.

Mail Sport previously reported that the Citizens identified their two targets for this summer, as the current league title holders were keen to sign a replacement for Alvarez.

Among the names considered were Celtic’s Kyogo Furuhashi and Orri Oskarsson Copenhagen, who have emerged as potential backups for Norwegian striker Erling Haaland.

However, The Times have revealed that Guardiola and the club’s sporting director, Txiki Begiristain, have decided against pursuing another signing.

The Citizens were previously reported to consider another transfer in order to replace Julian Alvarez

However, Guardiola and sporting director Txiki Begiristain (left) have decided against the transfers

This decision comes after news that the club could stand to earn an additional £23 million a year under the new Champions League format, compared to the £114 million in TV and prize money they earned in the year they won the competition.

Currently, the club is awaiting the draw to determine their group-stage opponents in the Champions League, which will take place on Thursday, August 29.