Pep Guardiola has said that the future of Man City goalkeeper James Trafford will be decided “at the end of the season”.
When asked about the 23-year-old’s comments in February, where Trafford stated he wasn’t expecting to be second-choice following his £31m move from Burnley in the summer, Guardiola replied:
“Good. Nothing to say [about his remarks]. Players can be happy/unhappy. It is what it is.”
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“Be here, do the best he can do and after (that) – we’ll see what happens at the end of the season. The important (thing) is they have to be ready.”
What did Trafford actually say?
Speaking after the Cityzens beat Salford 2-0 in the FA Cup last month, the keeper said that he was surprised to find himself behind Gianluigi Donnarumma in the pecking order:
“It wasn’t what I expected coming into the season… It’s the reality and I have to give it my best shot. It’s the situation I’m in. We train every day but making saves, it’s good fun.”
Trafford will start for Man City against Arsenal
Donnarumma’s understudy has started every round in the Carabao Cup this season, including both legs of the semi-final against Newcastle United last month.
There is prior precedent for the club’s number one to step in for the final, but when asked in his pre-match press conference whether Trafford would be in goal, Guardiola confirmed that he would be.
Despite favouring Donnarumma in the Premier League and the Champions League, Guardiola has been consistent in his praise of Trafford. On Friday, he said he was “beyond” happy with the keeper’s contributions since his return to the club last summer.
It looks like Trafford will get his moment in the sun this weekend, but he may not be at the Etihad for the long term.
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