Bueno plays down Djukic fall-out

Alberto Bueno is looking to the future after recently being sidelined from the Valladolid first team by Coach Miroslav Djukic.

After playing a part in Valladolid's promotion campaign last season, the forward was told 10 days before the start of pre-season training that the club no longer wanted him.

“The club phoned my agent to tell him that they no longer wanted me for sporting reasons,” he said at a Press conference today.

“That seemed strange to me because last year I felt I was an important player. Perhaps I wasn't one of the 11 most-used players, but I was number 12.

“That led to so much speculation – was it a personal thing, football-related, to do with money…? Everything seemed strange. Nothing happened last year to make things change. I didn't understand.”

However, the former Real Madrid youngster maintains that in his return to the fold, there are no problems between himself and Djukic, even if there has been a bit of ‘friction’ in recent times.

“Of course there is a bit of friction but that is just what happens when you live and work together,” he said.

“We can distinguish a little fall-out and a really serious problem. The Coach makes decisions and sometimes you support them, other times you don't understand. I have not had any major problems.

“I’m happy to be back to normal and once again making every effort.

Bueno, who refused to walk away from what he admits is a good contract in Valladolid, has worked his way back into contention and even made a late appearance as a substitute at Athletic Bilbao last weekend.

The man who once had a spell in England with Derby County says that Djukic has asked for a little more intensity from him.

“I have shown that I can play with intensity, just maybe not like other players. I have qualities, and of course I have to progress in different areas but I think the club tried to make me feel bad and force me out.

“Now, though, I will attempt to train with greater intensity and to make up for lost time in training.”

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