Hugo Bueno insists the competition for Wolves’ left-back slot has helped himself and each of his teammates to improve their ability as players.
Following his first senior season in Old Gold, the Academy graduate is looking forward to a new campaign battling for the position under Julen Lopetegui, which includes a pre-season visit to South Korea, as well as outlining his hopes for a future international cap for Spain, after missing out on a call-up for his country’s under-21 side this summer.
On fighting for the left-back spot
“It's not been easy. We have a big squad so it's not easy to play when there are loads of players all fighting for one position on the pitch, especially in my position as well, but everyone has a good competitive spirit and it’s a healthy competition between us.
“We push each other to be better, so I really don’t mind it and I’m really enjoying trying to give my best in every training session and in every game, to try to prove anything and everything I can to play the next match.
“That’s not been a problem for me, so hopefully I can continue to do well over the summer and keep progressing for next season.”
On taking time to rest after a busy season
“It's been a long season, so this is time to disconnect and rest a little bit. I’m just using this time to reset and recharge my energy and prepare myself for the next season.
“I think that’s the most important thing. It’s good to have a rest, but it’s also good to prepare yourself for the next season. To be honest, I really can’t wait and I’m really excited, first to rest, and then to be ready for the next season.”
On pre-season tour to South Korea
“I’ve never been. I’ve been to China a couple of time with Wolves, once with the academy and with the first-team when we went to Shanghai, but I’ve never been to South Korea, so I’m going to have to ask Channy [Hee Chan Hwang] what is the best things to do there.
“He will tell the whole team, so it’s going to be a busy trip for him! Everyone is going to be on him, but we will enjoy it 100 per cent.”
Another first-team debut for a @WolvesAcademy player.
— Wolves (@Wolves) October 16, 2022
Congratulations, Hugo Bueno! 👏 pic.twitter.com/x1LFDui1Bc
On exploring new cultures
“Hopefully, it will be a good experience, a new country, and I think it will be great. I like to see new places, new cultures, and I would like to visit every country in the world, so it will be a great experience.
“I’ve enjoyed my visits to China in the past, so let’s go and see South Korea now. We’re really going to enjoy it, we’re going to have a good time and we will prepare ourselves very well for the next season.”
On looking for his international chance
“I know it’s going to be very difficult and I’m not thinking about it because if it doesn’t happen, it doesn’t happen because I know it’s very difficult, so all I can focus on is myself, playing for Wolves, and getting to the best level that I can.
“Then, whatever happens, happens, and we’ll see. Obviously if I get called up it would be amazing, but if not, it will also be fine, and I will just try harder for the future.
“To be called up for the national team would be a dream come true, I’m not going to lie. Playing for my national team was always something that I would dream of as a kid, and it would be amazing.
“I know it’s a lot of work to do yet, so I don’t really think about it. All I can think about is working hard and in the future, hopefully soon, it would be amazing, and a dream come true.”
