Matt Doherty: Change of diet has pushed on Wolves performances
Wolves wing-back Matt Doherty says a change of eating habits has helped him push on his game - after Nuno originally questioned his diet.
The Republic of Ireland international has been an integral part of the Wolves team over the past two seasons, utilised at wing-back in the Portuguese boss's fluid attacking style.
Now a main-stay in the team, the 26-year-old has been one of the club's best performers in the Premier League, and he feels it could be down to a change in his eating habits - something he's looked at since Nuno questioned him upon taking the job at Wolves in 2017.
"He [Nuno] asked me how my body fat was [when he first became manager], he obviously knew it was really high, he must have seen the tests we’d done. Everyone was coming in wearing t-shirts, I was wearing a jumper – trying to sweat everything out." Doherty told the Daily Mail.
"I used to sit next to Danny Batth in the changing room and he was vegan. I thought, maybe I’ll try it,"
"I got leaner and I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been. 86.5kg. I’ve got quite big legs. At my most I was 91, 92. I must have been a pudding!"
The former Bohemians man admits that his diet in previous seasons was far from perfect, but now committing to become a pescatarian - Doherty has also reduced the number of fizzy drinks he's consumed in an effort to keep in the best shape possible.
"I used to not eat that well. I would have microwaveable dinners, like pasta. It was mixed in with your fizzy drinks and sweets. No good."
"My missus Nikkea cooks. She did some veggie burgers at her mum’s house the other day. Technically I’m pescatarian now as I love prawns. And I still have the odd fizzy drink after a game. I’m not a saint."
Now Wolves' longest serving player, Doherty initially joined Wolves after being spotted in a friendly clash for Bohemians - joining for just £75,000.
He says that he was shocked to hear the news of Wolves' interest after the game, admitting that he didn't feel like he'd put in a good performance during the clash.
"I didn’t even play well, just 55, 60 minutes, but for some reason they decided to give me a trial,"
"I came over for a week and after that they signed me. I was over the moon. £75,000 – they’ve done alright."
Signed as a full-back, Doherty has now been converted into a wing-back by Nuno, a position he's flourished in.
He earned his first competitive Republic of Ireland start this season - having sparkled on the right flank in the top flight.
But whilst he's enjoyed the ride so far, he's aware that he could face serious competition for his position in the future, having witnessed the likes of fellow wing-back Barry Douglas depart over the summer - being replaced by Jonny Castro Otto.
"Personally I love it [playing at right wing-back]." he said.
"I’m not stupid, there will be a time someone comes in as competition, especially given where the club wants to go, I'm embracing the challenge."
Nuno's philosophy has heralded huge success at Molineux so far, but having shown his emotion on numerous occasions during victories, Doherty has also admitted that he's willing to do the same in the dressing room when Wolves don't perform.
He also suggests it's unlikely that fans will see a change in formation anytime soon, even after consecutive defeats to Watford and Brighton.
"One time he [Nuno] punched the tactics board because I never stopped a cross at Sheffield United."
"It looked like he would beat me up. He hasn’t really had many of those moments. Instead of shouting he gives us information. I think he’s world class, a privilege to play under."
"We might alter the pressing but everybody knows the shape exactly and has it drilled into their minds. That will never change. Most games it works."
