Matt Doherty reveals Kieran Trippier's advice helped seal Atlético Madrid move
MATTLETICO MADRID: Matt Doherty joined Atletico Madrid on Deadline Day.
Ireland defender Matt Doherty has revealed he spoke to former Atlético Madrid star Kieran Trippier before securing his deadline day transfer to the Spanish giants.
Trippier enjoyed a productive three-year spell in Madrid under Diego Simone, winning the 2021 La Liga title before returning to England 12 months ago with Newcastle United.
Doherty was a right back, or wing-back, at Tottenham too and his move, facilitated by Portuguese Super-Agent Jorge Mendes, was the eye-catching transaction in the final day of the window.
The Swords native trains with his new teammates today ahead of a potential debut on Saturday evening against Getafe at the 68,000-capacity Estadio Metropolitano.
“It all happened really fast,” Doherty said of the surprise switch.
“Once I got the notification that this was possible, it was extremely difficult to reject the chance to come over and play for this club.
“Just from what I’ve heard from people like Kieran Trippier, I’m very excited. With the way he said he (Simeone) coaches and the players play, he said I’d really enjoy myself here.
“Kieran texted me yesterday. He was very reassuring about what to expect and put me in touch with the right people for places to live. He didn’t have to relay that message. It goes to show what type of person he is – a good guy.
“He didn’t need to tell me about training. I know that already. I’ve worked under Antonio Conte and it will be the same with Diego Simeone. That’s fine with me; you want to get into the best shape of your life. It’s the way to go.
The 31-year-old suggested he would be interested in extending his stay beyond the short-term deal.
A loan arrangement with Spurs was the original plan but due to a cap of eight outward loan players, a decision to terminate Doherty’s contact 18 months early was reached at the eleventh hour – affording him freedom to take the next step of his own volition.
“For me, this is an opportunity to improve myself and the team,” he said, before referring to the likes of Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espírito Santo and Conte. “I’ve been fortunate to work under world-class managers in my career and I’ve another here.
“I’m here till the end of the season but that doesn’t have to be the end. That will be up to me. I’ll try to perform well and see where that takes me. Initially it’s for six months but if I do well for the club let’s see what happens.”
In his first interview with the club’s website, Doherty was reminded of the tweets of praise he posted in 2016 praising the red-and-white striped aristocrats.
He added: “I always remember watching them play with admiration, so those tweets were real and I meant what I said. Maybe the signs were there from six years ago.
“It will be interesting to see how the team sets up for games in training and the different styles.”
Atlético are fourth in the table, 13 points off leader Barcelona, at the midway point of the campaign.
“There’s 19 league games left and a lot to play for,” he said. “We want to finish the season with no regrets. People have texted me to say how exciting it will be to play in front of all these fans and I agree.
“I like to be involved at both ends of the pitch, try to score goals but as a defender, understand that my first job is to keep clean sheets.”
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