After Wolves’ warm weather training camp in Marbella came to an end, Matt Doherty believes the team’s pre-season has so far provided a very positive start to the 2024/25 campaign.
The defender signed off the Marbella camp by heading home the only goal of the game as Wolves claimed a 1-0 win over Italian outfit Como 1907 in a training match, and although the game gave the players a chance to get 45 minutes into their legs for the first time this summer, Doherty felt the time the squad has spent together off the pitch has been as important as the hard work carried out on the grass.
On a week of training in Marbella
“It was obviously tough. We’ve been training quite hard as people can probably see on the Instagram videos and all the running we’ve been doing, and things like that, and obviously the weather.
“When I’ve gone on holidays, I’ve never been places where it’s been this hot. It’s been quite unbearable at times, but I think we got what we wanted out of the game, some minutes in the legs, and I think we did alright.”
On working hard on and off the pitch
“It’s been a tough, very tough, but enjoyable week. We’ve bonded well, we’ve done some activities together, so everybody’s got a little bit closer, everybody’s got fitter, and as it’s only the end of week one, I think it’s been a big success.
“It’s really important, especially for the new players. They’re trying to get to know the lads, but it’s quite an easy group to come into because everybody’s humble, everybody’s down to earth, and everybody’s very welcoming, so the week has been quite a big success.”
On a first outing of pre-season
“Everyone played 45, pretty much, but it’s just the first game. Obviously, as things go on through pre-season, people will probably play more minutes. But it’s the first week and we’re pretty happy with where we are.
“You’re trying to get your breath and it’s obviously our first game back after some people have had six or seven weeks off, others have had three or four, and you just can’t recreate the type of fitness that you need for the football training back at home like we’ve had here. No matter what you do, it’s always a big blow when you come back.”
On scoring the winner
“It’s obviously nice to chip in with a goal and all that, but the deliveries are always on point from the lads, so it doesn’t really matter who takes it. Rayan managed to stick it on my head and I managed to take it.”
On heading to the USA next week
“Of course I’m looking forwards to it! We’re going to Miami for two weeks – how can you not look forwards to that.
“But we’ve got three games that we’ve got to prepare for, so there won’t be much time for much fun, it will be mostly work. It’s a different atmosphere, a different country, a different culture, so it will be enjoyable.”
