Steve McClaren insists he has no idea what his bonus would be for ending Newcastle's 46-year wait for silverware.
Managing director Lee Charnley revealed when he announced McClaren's appointment back in June that the new head coach had been "heavily incentivised" to bring a first major trophy to St. James' Park since the 1969 European Fairs Cup.
The Magpies launch their bid for Capital One Cup glory with a home second-round tie against League Two Northampton on Tuesday evening, with owner Mike Ashley having signalled a change in the club's previous policy of regarding the cup competitions as secondary to the Premier League.
But ask what the reward for glory might be, McClaren said with a smile: "I haven't got a clue what my bonus is!"
He added: "You should be heavily incentivised to win a cup, I think it is important. Whether this club had a policy that it was not bothered or it is, it is still important.
"It is still a football match and I hate losing."
McClaren made his name in management by winning the competition in its former incarnation as the Carling Cup with Middlesbrough in 2004, and went on to enhance his reputation after a difficult spell as England boss by claiming the Dutch Eredivisie title with FC Twente.
But he admits that first taste of success at the Riverside Stadium was a significant stepping stone in his career path.
He said: "There are various hurdles in your career, whatever you do. To win that trophy was huge.
"From going from a number two to a number one, questions are always asked of you. Winning something just gives you that experience. You know then what it takes to win a cup.
"That is why the experience of winning a league was also important. I know now what it takes to win a league.
"I was fortunate to learn that early on as an assistant at Manchester United. I have been very fortunate in my career to have opportunities to win something."