Connect with us

News

Trafford Admits Surprise at Being Man City Back-up

Following Manchester City’s FA Cup victory against Salford City, James Trafford expressed that being the second choice has not aligned with his initial expectations at the start of the season.

Manchester City's James Trafford has achieved five clean sheets in 11 appearances for the team.

Upon his return to Manchester City in June for a transfer fee of around £30m, James Trafford likely anticipated becoming the club's primary goalkeeper.

Trafford began the current season as the starting goalkeeper, playing in City's first three Premier League matches.

However, the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma significantly altered the team's goalkeeper hierarchy.

Manchester City took advantage of the opportunity to sign one of the world's top goalkeepers when Donnarumma became available from Paris St-Germain on the summer transfer deadline day.

Since joining City, Donnarumma has made 30 appearances, while Trafford has been limited to domestic cup matches and a single Champions League game.

Following Manchester City's FA Cup fourth-round victory over Salford City, Trafford acknowledged that his current situation is not what he had envisioned at the start of the season.

In an interview with the BBC, Trafford discussed his role as the team's cup goalkeeper, stating: "It wasn't what I expected when I came into the season…

"I have to accept the reality and give it my all. It's my current situation. Although we train daily, making saves is an enjoyable experience."

Last season, Trafford played 45 games for Burnley, helping the team win promotion to the Premier League while conceding only 16 goals in the Championship.

The 20-year-old goalkeeper then decided to return to Manchester City to address unfinished business, having initially left the club in 2023 to gain regular playing time.

However, the arrival of 26-year-old Donnarumma, a Champions League winner, has hindered Trafford's chances of making an impact this season.

The team's journey from a demoralizing 8-0 defeat to pushing Manchester City to the limit has been notable.

Guehi scored his first Manchester City goal in the team's win over Salford.

This video is currently unavailable for playback.

Trafford shared his thoughts on being the second-choice goalkeeper at Manchester City.

Following Ederson's regression last season, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola clearly intended to revamp the team's goalkeeping department.

The decision to re-sign Trafford from Burnley in June seemed logical, given his experience and time spent in the club's academy, as well as his impressive performances for England's Under-21 team.

Trafford had also been included in England's initial 33-man squad for Euro 2024, although he did not make the final cut, and a starting role at Manchester City could have enhanced his chances of earning a senior international call-up.

Nevertheless, Trafford has not been included in a Three Lions squad since November, making a spot in this summer's World Cup unlikely due to his limited game time.

Former Manchester City goalkeeper Nicky Weaver expressed sympathy for Trafford in a December interview with BBC Radio Manchester, stating: "I feel sorry for Trafford. When he signed, he probably thought he would be the number one goalkeeper.

"Although we don't know exactly what he was told, when you have the chance to sign someone of Donnarumma's caliber at his age for a relatively moderate fee, you have to take that opportunity. I feel for Trafford; I really like him.

"It's the life of a goalkeeper – being number one, two, or three is challenging. You don't see a clear path into the team for him.

"He just needs to persevere and can learn a lot from Donnarumma, but I'm sure he would also learn if he were playing every week."

This video is currently unavailable for playback.

Guehi scored as Manchester City defeated a spirited Salford team.

For the latest Manchester City news, analysis, and fan views, please visit our website.

If you have any questions about Manchester City, feel free to ask, and we will do our best to provide you with the information you need.

News

Rooney Criticizes Controversial Digne Handball Decision

According to BBC Sport pundits Wayne Rooney and Alan Shearer, referees have become hesitant to make decisions on their own, relying heavily on VAR for support, as seen in the FA Cup fourth-round match between Aston Villa and Newcastle, where officials opted not to give a penalty for a possible handball by Lucas Digne.

According to BBC Sport analysts Wayne Rooney and Alan Shearer, referees have become overly reliant on VAR, and this dependence is causing them to hesitate when making decisions on their own, as seen in the recent FA Cup fourth round match between Aston Villa and Newcastle, where a potential handball by Lucas Digne did not result in a penalty.

For further analysis on the incident and its implications for the use of VAR, click to read more about the controversy surrounding the Villa Park match.

Access to this content is limited to users in the United Kingdom.

Continue Reading

News

Tuipulotu Credits Scotland for Delivering Under Townsend

Captain Sione Tuipulotu credited the team’s Calcutta Cup victory to a strong performance by Scotland, which in turn alleviated some of the pressure on head coach Gregor Townsend.

Captain Sione Tuipulotu has praised Scotland's impressive Calcutta Cup win, which came after a difficult week for head coach Gregor Townsend, with the team delivering a much-needed triumph.

Following their opening Six Nations defeat to Italy in Rome, Scotland's championship aspirations were under scrutiny as they hosted an in-form England side at Murrayfield, with Townsend's position under increased pressure.

The hosts made a stunning start, racing into a 17-0 lead within 15 minutes, a cushion they maintained for the remainder of the match.

Scotland's performance was characterized by pace and flair, with fly-half Finn Russell playing a pivotal role in the victory.

Russell's vision and distribution were instrumental in creating tries for Huw Jones and Jamie Ritchie, as Scotland's attacking play flourished.

Despite England's response, which included a try from Henry Arundell before his dismissal for a second yellow card, Scotland continued to play with freedom, adding a third try after Ellis Genge failed to gather Russell's chip, allowing Ben White to capitalize.

England, who had won their previous 12 Tests, attempted a comeback in the second half, but Scotland's defense held firm, and they sealed a bonus-point victory with Jones' second try, following a charged-down drop-goal attempt by George Ford.

Tuipulotu expressed his pride in the team's performance, saying he was "extremely proud" of the way they responded to their defeat in Italy.

The Scotland captain acknowledged that the team had deserved criticism after their loss to Italy, but felt they had redeemed themselves with a strong display against England.

Tuipulotu stated that the team had felt under pressure, but had rallied behind their coach, delivering a performance that justified their support.

The captain admitted to feeling a sense of guilt, recognizing the challenges faced by head coaches, who receive criticism when the team performs poorly.

Tuipulotu praised his teammates for their commitment to the coach and their role in the victory, saying they had "got behind our coach and delivered a performance."

The Scotland Rugby Podcast has reaction from a jubilant Murrayfield, with players and coaches reflecting on the impressive win.

Scotland will now travel to Spain to recover before their next championship match against Wales, looking to build on their momentum.

Tuipulotu emphasized the importance of maintaining their performance level, saying the team would do everything possible to replicate their victory against Wales.

The Glasgow Warriors centre said he wanted to enjoy the win, but was already focused on preparing for the next match, ensuring they "prepare to the best of our abilities to back up this performance."

Former Scotland captain John Barclay echoed Tuipulotu's sentiments, stressing the need for consistency and saying that the best teams are able to maintain their performance levels.

Barclay, speaking on ITV, said that Scotland must "back it up" and avoid a significant drop-off in performance if they are to progress as a team.

The former skipper emphasized that the team's focus should be on replicating their Calcutta Cup win, with Tuipulotu and Townsend already highlighting the importance of consistency.

Barclay noted that the top teams are able to maintain their performance levels, with minimal drop-off, and that Scotland must strive to achieve this if they are to succeed.

Scotland's convincing win over England has rejuvenated their championship campaign, with the team sweeping aside their opponents in a stunning Calcutta Cup victory.

Townsend has expressed his pride in the team's performance, which saw them dominate England and regain the Calcutta Cup.

The match highlights are available, showcasing Scotland's impressive display.

Townsend has spoken about Scotland's emphatic victory, praising the team's performance and highlighting the challenges they faced.

The Scotland head coach has faced a difficult period, with three defeats in four Tests and speculation about his future, but the win over England has eased the pressure.

Townsend's position had been under scrutiny, with some questioning whether he had taken the team as far as he could, but the Calcutta Cup win has provided a timely boost.

The head coach praised the team's first-half display, saying it was some of the best rugby he had seen from a Scotland team.

Townsend told ITV that the team's performance in the opening 20 minutes was exceptional, and that he was proud of the way they fought for each other and the supporters in the second half.

The head coach attributed the team's success to their aggressive and fast-paced play, saying that Finn Russell had one of his best games for Scotland and the forwards' work-rate was superb.

Scotland have now won five of the last six Calcutta Cup matches, with Russell's missed conversion last year denying them a sixth consecutive win.

Former Scotland prop Peter Wright praised the team's performance, saying they had made England look "pretty mediocre."

Wright noted that Scotland's inconsistency is frustrating, as they can produce performances like the Calcutta Cup win, but also struggle, as they did against Italy.

The former prop said that the players deserved credit for their display, which was a significant improvement on their previous outing.

Scotland's players have been praised for their commitment to the coach and their role in the victory.

The match highlights are available, showcasing Scotland's impressive display.

England head coach Steve Borthwick said that Scotland's players had "shown up" for their coach, delivering a performance that justified their support.

Townsend dismissed the idea that Scotland only produce their best performances against England, saying that the team sees it as a positive that they can raise their game for the Calcutta Cup match.

The head coach said that the team had played some of their best rugby against England, and that this was a testament to the players' ability to perform under pressure.

Townsend emphasized that the team's focus is on the positives, rather than the negatives, and that they are proud of their record in the Calcutta Cup fixture.

The head coach reflected on the team's performance against Italy, saying that they had shown resilience and determination, even in defeat, and that he was proud of the players' efforts in difficult conditions.

The players' dedication and hard work throughout the week are evident, and their performance on the weekend is a testament to their commitment. Regardless of the outcome, it is clear that their energy and effort are not the issue. The team's efforts have been commendable, and their coach's pride in them has been consistent, whether in victory or not, as seen in the past two weeks.

Continue Reading

News

Kane Reaches Milestone 500th Career Goal as First English Player

Harry Kane, the striker for Bayern Munich, made history by scoring his 500th professional goal in an official match, achieving this milestone with a long-range shot against Werder Bremen, thereby becoming the first English player to reach this mark.

In a notable achievement, Harry Kane, the striker for Bayern Munich, has successfully scored his 500th professional goal in an official match, making him the first English footballer to reach this milestone after scoring from distance against Werder Bremen.

For more information on Harry Kane's record-breaking feat and other potential records he may break, additional details are available.

Access to this content is restricted to users based in the United Kingdom.

Continue Reading

Trending