Despite being his first choice last season, Matt Doherty has come under fire from manager Antonio Conte for not performing up to expectations this season.
The manager claimed that the Republic of Ireland international isn’t giving him any reason to pick him, despite the fact that many believe Emerson Royal isn’t much better.
In a brutal response to a question put forward by the journalist, Conte said (via Mirror)
“Also Doherty last season played every game. Now I’m not seeing him in the right way to start the game. I’m not stupid, I don’t want to lose.
I try to put the best team, to pick the best team. If they trust me it’s ok, if they don’t trust me then I’m the coach and I need to take the best decision for Tottenham.”
Doherty made his first Premier League appearance of the season for Spurs when came on after Emerson was sent off vs Arsenal. He has clearly fallen out of favour with Conte, appearing only as a substitute in the Champions League thus far.
With Emerson suspended in the league, this may serve as an opportunity for the Irishman to force himself back in the starting XI and give Emerson a competition to the right wing-back spot.