“Nothing to say, it is what it is” – Pep Guardiola indifferent to James Trafford comments on Manchester City future | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has broken his silence on James Trafford’s comments over his future at the club in January.

Trafford divided opinion amongst the Manchester City fanbase as he spoke candidly over his future at the Etihad Stadium after a 2-0 FA Cup win over Salford City in January.

The 23-year-old adhered to doubts over his long-term prospects at his boyhood club – whom he re-joined last summer after two seasons at Burnley – after being restricted to cup action since Gianluigi Donnarumma‘s arrival from Paris Saint-Germain.

Much was made of Trafford saying he “didn’t know what happens next season” when quizzed on his Manchester City future, with the shot-stopper’s situation expected to be resolved in the summer transfer window.

We’ll see what happens at the end of the season, says Guardiola on Trafford’s future

Manchester City are desperate for a change in fortunes ahead of Sunday’s Carabao Cup final after a horrid run of form that has seen them all but drop out of the Premier League title race and exit the UEFA Champions League at the Round of 16 stage against Real Madrid.

That change can come with Trafford in net at Wembley on Sunday evening as Manchester City go head to head with Arsenal for the first piece of silverware up for grabs in the season.

Asked for his opinion on Trafford’s post-Salford comments in January in a press conference on Friday afternoon, Guardiola said: “Good. Nothing to say. Players can be happy, unhappy. It is what it is.

“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.”

Guardiola: I’ve been ‘beyond happy’ with Trafford’s attitude

Trafford has endured a difficult first season back at the Etihad Stadium and despite starting each of Manchester City’s opening three Premier League games of the season – against Wolves, Tottenham and Brighton – in August 2025, he has not played a minute of league action since.

Quizzed on whether he has been happy with Trafford’s attitude to a bit-part role in the squad, Guardiola added: “Beyond (happy), yeah,” as the 55-year-old Catalan insisted that the Englishman has continued to train well and been a positive presence in and around the dressing room.

City have won just once in their last five games in all competitions but despite suffering a third straight European exit at the hands of Real Madrid, Guardiola and co can enjoy a successful finish to the campaign if they get their act together.

A dearth of goals and leaks in defence have more or less been the hallmark of City’s frailties of late, with Erling Haaland enduring a tough run in the final third and the Blues struggling to keep their shop shut at the back.