Hassani Dotson is trying to compartmentalize.

After his agent made public a trade request on his behalf in January, the Loons’ midfielder has tried not to let his uncertain future affect his performance on the field this season.

“I’m just trying to take it each day at a time, just trying to control what I control on the football aspect,” Dotson said Tuesday. “I love playing soccer, so I don’t want to let any day go in taking that for granted.”

The free agent to be has been considered a consummate professional, according to head coach Eric Ramsay and fellow veteran midfielder Wil Trapp. Dotson has started all three games and played 258 out of a possible 270 minutes as the Loons (2-1-0) have earned six points.

“There has not been a hint of him not being there, not being at it, not being with it,” Ramsay said before the team’s 1-0 win over San Jose on Saturday. “If you are to look at it from every angle, physical data, willingness, aggression, tactical, execution, contribution — it’s almost every moment. It’s been a really good start for him. All I care about is that (it) continues.”

Ramsay did, however, acknowledge it might be difficult to have the situation linger. In January, Dotson’s agent said: “After over one year and two months of back and forth with broken promises made by the club on multiple occasions, Hassani Dotson has formally requested a trade.”

Dotson, 27, has been a key piece of the Loons for years, and his camp wants him to receive a significant raise over the $557,500 in guaranteed compensation he received in 2024.

Loons Chief Soccer Officer Khaled El-Ahmad said in early February, “I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s Hassani who says he doesn’t want to be here. What goes out in media from whatever the party is, is for them to stand by. I think internally, (it’s been) all calm, good conversations.”

The MLS primary transfer window closes April 23, and the secondary window is July 24-Aug. 21.

Dotson’s three-minute chat with reporters Tuesday was for the first time he has publicly spoken about the trade request.

Here are some key points in the Q&A:

Is a trade still something you’re seeking?

“That is between upper management and our representation. But I’ve let my teammates and coaching staff know that I’m excited to be here. I’m excited to work for the team and put the team first, and what comes of it will come of it.”

What have you tried to do to still be a professional and still be accountable to your teammates?

“I know one of my greatest strengths is my work ethic, so I want to make sure that it’s something that everyone can control. You shouldn’t be doing anything if you don’t work hard. So, it’s a big belief of mine. That’s what I’m gonna continue to do.”

Is it hard to sort of separate the frustration with the off-the-field stuff with the on-the-field stuff?

“Yeah, (it’s the) first (time) that’s probably happened in my career, so you could take a look at last year and see a couple dips in form. The first time trying to manage that. But I think this year has been a lot easier for me. … Just being that in the public is pretty … it’s something that I’ve grown to handle with. Hoping for the best but we’ll see.”

Is that bridge burned now?

“I’m not sure. From my perspective, I don’t think anything is burned. We’re all people. We all can grow. … It’s a business, you know. So, if it’s business on their end, ... I’m just here to play soccer.”

We saw you turn it on at the end of last year. Was any of the off-the-field stuff part of the motivation to perform on the field, like you did?

“I think that’s just when I kind of put everything in the rearview mirror and just tried to focus as much as I can on soccer. The people that come to the game, the fans they deserve everyone’s best. At least I’m giving 100 percent, obviously. The decision-making is what’s hard about our game; (I’m) just trying to think about them and my family and try to make them proud.”