James Trafford admits Manchester City return “has obviously been very up and down”

Donnarumma quickly established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper and Trafford’s minutes have since been restricted to cup competitions, having failed to make a single Premier League appearance since August 2025.

Trafford: I’ve had a learn a lot throughout the year

In a candid sit-down with BBC Sport last week, Trafford opened up on the mental challenges he has faced since he lost his place in the Manchester City starting XI.

“It’s obviously been very up and down throughout the season because I haven’t played too much,” the Carlisle-born star said.

“Obviously I had a decision to make in the summer and everyone always thinks when you make decisions like best possible outcome – and obviously it hasn’t been the best possible outcome.

“But I’ve just tried to either improve every day, just try and stay positive, stay happy because throughout the year it’s been such a big learning experience. The main thing I didn’t want is for it to impact your general happiness and feeling.

“I’ve had to learn a lot throughout the year and tried to work as hard as I can, try and improve and win the day. It’s obviously (been) a new experience, the first time I’ve had moment and experience where you’re coming in for cup games.”

Serie A giants enter race to sign Manchester City’s James Trafford

Games have felt quicker since January, adds Trafford

Trafford has played every minute of Manchester City’s Carabao Cup winning campaign and will also start against Chelsea in the FA Cup final on May 16.

The shotstopper added: “But the good thing about this club and this season has been we’ve progressed in both cups as far as we possibly could have so far. From the start until December, January it was quite tough because games were every month, very far between.

“Since January I’ve felt like games came a lot quicker, every two weeks, which has been better for rhythm and your own head. The cup games, you have to win! Because if you don’t win then, unless I get in in the league, which I haven’t so far, then there’s no games.

“But I haven’t really felt too much pressure, it’s just fun isn’t it. We’ve been lucky enough to get good teams (in the cups]). Since (Exeter and Salford), I think we’ve played Newcastle about 70 times, we had Arsenal, Liverpool. It’s been good we’ve had good games, which has been good for me, I’ve enjoyed it.”

Pep Guardiola blocked a January exit for Trafford as he considered the 23-year-old an integral part of his wider group as Manchester City remain on the brink of a second domestic treble under the Catalan in the final weeks of the season.