One Wolves star has shared his thoughts for the upcoming 2024/25 season after a difficult campaign under Gary O’Neil.
The 2023/24 season was encouraging for Wolves who are now working hard in pre-season to improve in the 2024/25 calendar.
Gary O’Neil arrived with days to spare ahead of last term and quickly showed that he is the right man for the job, getting the best out of many players.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t a memorable season for all of the squad at Molineux as Hugo Bueno slipped down the pecking order under the manager.
Hugo Bueno ready for 2024/25 challenges at Wolves after Norwich City loan is rejected
During the 2022/23 campaign, it looked as though Bueno was set to become a regular first-teamer at Wolves under Julen Lopetegui.
However, when the Spaniard left the club, so did the 21-year-old’s claim to the starting XI, as O’Neil reshuffled his back line.
Speaking to Express and Star, Bueno acknowledged that the manager’s decision to switch to a back five was detrimental to his chances at securing game time last term.
“Last season we started with a back four and I felt really comfortable, then we changed to a back five and sometimes you have to adapt quickly.
“Hopefully in this new season, with more time with the coaches, I can get more information on the things that they want.”
Injuries and increased competition meant Bueno’s season was limited to just seven Premier League starts, which triggered interest this summer.
As relayed by BirminghamWorld, Wolves are believed to have rejected a loan approach from Championship side Norwich City, with Bueno’s focus firmly on the campaign ahead at Molineux.
Bueno looks towards next season under Gary O’Neil
Following links away from Wolves, Bueno all but confirmed that he will be at the club for the upcoming season by emphasising his motivation ahead of 2024/25.
“I’m really happy and motivated about the new season and let’s see what happens.
“One good thing about me is I always find that motivation. It doesn’t matter the situation that I’m in, sometimes things happen, injuries and setbacks.
“But I think everything happens for a reason and I always try to stay motivated and keep working hard.
“Hopefully I get more chances, play well and keep improving, those are the most important things.”
The £10k-a-week Spaniard was then reminded that he is the longest-serving player currently at the club, something he described as “crazy”.
“This is my sixth year at the club and time flies, honestly.
“I was speaking to Pablo about this the other day that I’m the player who’s been at the club the longest and it’s crazy to be honest because it feels like yesterday that I came here.
“It’s been brilliant and I’m now getting ready for the season, I can’t wait.”
Despite the difficulties that Bueno faced last season added to links away from Wolves this summer, it’s clear that the Spaniard only has breaking into O’Neil’s XI on his mind as pre-season kicks on.