Wolves fell to another defeat at the weekend, losing to Leeds United in the Premier League, and Lee Naylor and Andy Thompson were left scratching their heads over one selection decision Vitor Pereira made.
Wolves remain bottom of the table and without a point, after a chastening 3-1 loss at Molineux.
Loud boos could be heard at half-time and full-time, and fans also chanted against Fosun in a further show of disdain for the owners.
Wolves’ performance against Leeds was pathetic.
After taking the lead through Ladislav Krejci, Wanderers then inexplicably sat off and invited Leeds to come forward.
That was always going to be dangerous given how Wolves have defended this season, and sure enough three cheap goals were conceded before half-time.
For Lee Naylor and Andy Thompson, the omission of veteran defender Matt Doherty was especially bizarre.
Matt Doherty omission for Wolves against Leeds questioned
The level of quality in Wolves’ squad has been questioned, but there is certainly some depth now.
And that is likely going to mean that Vitor Pereira will have some tough selection decisions to make this season.
Against Leeds, Pereira omitted Doherty and David Moller Wolfe, and former Molineux defenders Lee Naylor and Andy Thompson both questioned this decision after watching a truly awful defensive showing.
Naylor said on Matchday Live Extra: “For me, I know we raved on about Agbadou last season, but I also think it was Doc being next to him.
Thompson: “We were both surprised he wasn’t even in the squad weren’t we.”
Naylor: “To find Doc not even in the squad is… honestly he’s baffled me. Because we talk about leaders, because you do need leaders on the pitch, whether that’s ones that talk or ones that lead by example.
Thompson: “I’m not saying he’s going to be the saviour of everything, but that first goal for them, he does better with the header I think. We all know he’s good in the air.”
Naylor: “That’s doesn’t happen if Doc’s playing. He seems to be the gel that we needed. I’m not saying Doc is the answer. But what I am saying is we look better with him in the team than with him out.”
Doherty was a major surprise from Pereira
It was a huge shock to see Doherty not even in the squad on Saturday against Leeds.
Since Pereira came to Wolves, the Republic of Ireland international has been a trusted player for the manager, and does a decent job on the right of Wolves’ backline, and it’s a position Doherty has come to love.
In the second half of last season, Pereira even raved over Doherty’s character after he stepped up to take a penalty against Bournemouth in the FA Cup.
Granted, Doherty hasn’t had a good start to the new season. But then, who in this Wolves squad has?
To omit Doherty from the squad completely is a questionable call from the manager, given Doherty is one of only a few leaders in the squad, and someone the players respect and look up to.