James Trafford has expressed disappointment over his lack of playing time at Manchester City, following his return to the club last summer.
The England international completed a return to the Cityzens from Burnley last summer and was expected to take over as the club’s new first-choice goalkeeper.
The 23-year-old even started City’s first three league games of the season, but has seen his role reduced to more of a backup with the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain.
He has not started a league game since then, while his only appearances for the club have all come in cup competitions.
“I didn’t expect the situation to happen, but it happened, so just get on with it,” Trafford said.
“Work very hard every day and then see what happens, give it my best shot.
No, it wasn’t that, but it [the plan] wasn’t what happened”, he added, when asked if he was promised a starting role upon his return to the club.
“It is what it is. It’s football, it is what it is, you’ve got to keep grafting every day and the games that come, play as hard as you can. “It’s just another experience to add to my career and yeah, it has been good learning.
I don’t know what happens next season. I just know that I’ll just take it a day at a time and try and improve.”
Trafford is at the risk of losing his spot in the highly-competitive England squad for the upcoming World Cup, especially if he does not start to play regularly.
Meanwhile, he has been linked with an exit in the summer, with interest from Leeds United and Newcastle United, who were also willing to secure his services last summer.
“I haven’t spoken to them [about] if that’s enough, but I play as well as I can and train every day very hard and it’s just down to me,” he continued.
“Obviously everyone knows what’s going on with me, so I’ve just got to, whenever I play, play as well as I can.”
Manchester City return to league action on Saturday, with a clash against Newcastle United as they hope to reduce the gap to leaders Arsenal in their title push.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
