Pep Guardiola has confirmed that James Trafford will start in goal for Manchester City in Sunday's Carabao Cup final against Arsenal, opting for the England international over Champions League winner Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Trafford, who was called up to the England squad by Thomas Tuchel on Friday, has played throughout City's Carabao Cup run and excelled in the semi-final against Newcastle. The goalkeeper has expressed disappointment at his lack of game time since his summer move from Burnley.
Guardiola shrugged off any concerns about player happiness, stating: 'Players can be happy, unhappy. It is what it is. They have to be here to do the best they can do and after we will see what happens at the end of the season. The important thing is they have to be ready.' He added that he was 'beyond happy' with Trafford.
Guardiola could win a record fifth League Cup, but it will be a first trophy for some of his new-look team. 'Being there is an honour and a big challenge,' he said. 'To reach the finals, no matter the competition, it's always really, really tough. Being there, you have to have the flavour that it's a big opportunity, because you never know when it's going to happen again. So that's why we have to do it.'
