Hugo Bueno is still savouring every moment of being part of the Wolves first-team and is determined to flourish under Julen Lopetegui next season.
The Spaniard stepped up to the senior team under the interim stewardship of Steve Davis and James Collins in the autumn, before the arrival of Lopetegui, and a Premier League assist on his debut laid the foundations for a breakthrough season in the first-team. That night at Selhurst Park, where Bueno’s debut was the talking point, brought the first of 23 appearances for the Spaniard, who is now out in Portugal preparing for the new campaign, where he intends to continue his progress at Molineux.
On his breakthrough first-team season
“To be honest, I really enjoyed it from the first minute, from the very start. I wasn't really playing at the beginning and didn't know if I was going to be part of the team like I have, but after the change of manager with Steve [Davis] and James [Collins] who knew me before, I knew I could have a chance.
“They decided to give me my opportunity against Palace and since then, it was a really good season to be honest. Obviously, it wasn't easy because the team suffered a lot, but we worked really hard and I'm very happy to be safe.”
On his impact at Selhurst Park
“It was amazing. It's difficult to describe because it was a really special moment for me. I also knew I was ready because I was working really hard and as soon as I got on the pitch, I was fully focused and concentrated. When that ball came to me, I put it into the box and saw Adama [Traore] head it, it was a really special moment. It was a really happy moment for me and my family as well.”
Heading into another day of work in the sun ☀️ pic.twitter.com/18BzOYrnhv
— Wolves (@Wolves) July 7, 2023
On feeling at home in the first-team
“It's amazing. I remember when I was in the under-18s and made the step up to the under-23s, I was dreaming of this moment. I remember having an ice bath and seeing all the names and pictures in the dressing room. There were a couple of blank spots with no name, and I was thinking 'I have to be there, that's my spot'. I knew it was going to be tough, but I never gave up. When that day came and I saw my name there, it was a really special moment for me.”
On working with Lopetegui
“It's amazing. I remember when I was back in Spain and he was managing Real Madrid and the national team, and suddenly he's my manager. It's crazy. From the moment I heard the news he was coming, I was really happy because I knew I was going to improve a lot.
“He's a brilliant manager with loads of experience. He showed us the way to work, the way to win, and hopefully we can continue this next season. For me personally, I'll try to learn in every training session. I'll prepare myself physically and mentally for next season because I want to make sure I'm ready to give my best.”
On his journey to the first-team
“There's been lots of ups and downs. I remember the game (against Coventry), I did the full pre-season with the first-team and I thought I could get my spot that season and suddenly I got a big injury and was out for four-and-a-half months.
“It was mentally really, really hard. When I came back, I didn't really know where I was with the under-23s or the first-team. It was tough. But then I realised that it doesn't matter what I did before, I just had to focus on myself, work hard and give everything in the last six months of that season.
“We had an amazing team with Chem Campbell, Luke Cundle, Joe Hodge and everyone. We finished really well, were unlucky in the final of the cup and then got up through the play-offs. The season was ups and downs but I always tried to focus on myself and work really hard every day to put myself in a good situation for the next season.”
On his targets for next season
“For the club, it's to keep improving the squad in every aspect of the game. There will be changes, 100 per cent, and hopefully we can start the season really well, unlike last season when we had a tough start.
"For me personally, with the games I've played and the little experience I have, I want to be one of the most important players next season. I think I can be one of the key players. I know it will be tough because we have competition in our squad and in my position, but I think I can be a very important player next season.”
