AliousHugo Bueno, a defender from Wolverhampton Wanderers, has recently voiced his strong support for Julen Lopetegui, his former manager who is currently facing challenges as the head coach of West Ham United. Bueno’s endorsement came during a wide-ranging interview with Spanish media outlet AS, where he discussed various aspects of his career and former mentors.
Currently, Bueno is on a season-long loan at Dutch club Feyenoord, a move precipitated by his desire for more consistent playing time. This decision followed a frustrating period under Wolves’ current manager, Gary O’Neil, where Bueno found his opportunities limited. The contrast between his experiences under O’Neil and Lopetegui is stark – despite featuring in more games under O’Neil (26), Bueno actually accumulated more minutes on the pitch during Lopetegui’s shorter 17-game tenure at Wolves.
Lopetegui’s trajectory has mirrored Bueno’s in some ways, with both having departed Molineux for new challenges. The Spanish coach took the reins at West Ham United this summer, stepping into the role vacated by long-serving manager David Moyes. His appointment was met with considerable enthusiasm, coinciding with a period of significant investment by the London club. West Ham’s transfer activity saw them strengthen multiple positions within the squad, raising expectations for the upcoming season.
However, the initial results under Lopetegui’s stewardship have been disappointing. West Ham has managed just one victory in their opening six Premier League fixtures, leaving fans and pundits questioning whether the new regime will deliver the anticipated improvements.
Despite these early setbacks, Bueno remains steadfast in his belief in Lopetegui’s abilities. Drawing from his personal experiences, the young defender praised Lopetegui’s coaching prowess and impact on his own development. “I can still grow more, my best level has been seen with Lopetegui at the Wolves,” Bueno affirmed. He went on to describe Lopetegui as “a great coach” whose demanding nature pushed him to elevate his game. This improvement, Bueno notes, allowed him to deliver strong performances in the highly competitive environment of the Premier League.
Addressing West Ham’s current struggles, Bueno expressed optimism about their future prospects under Lopetegui’s guidance. “They haven’t started the season well, but I’m sure the team will get better and better,” he stated. Bueno predicted that once West Ham starts accumulating wins, their league position will improve, ultimately leading to a respectable finish in the Premier League standings.
Bueno’s vote of confidence comes at a crucial juncture for Lopetegui, as the Spanish coach works to overcome the teething problems at West Ham and validate the club’s substantial summer investments. The young defender’s testimony to Lopetegui’s coaching acumen and ability to develop players offers a glimmer of hope for West Ham supporters, suggesting that patience may be rewarded as the season progresses.
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