My one year old still bunches up his piddle pad too. I bought this:
Premium Pad Training Tray - Training - Training & Behavior - PetSmart. It holds a pad in place so it doesn't bunch up in a corner. I think your pup is way to young to completely understand what it is you want from him. But, like others said, a tired pup is a happy pup! It's harder to get into mischief if they're so pooped that they're cuddled up in your lap for a nap. When you get home, PLAY PLAY PLAY! Tire DJ out and when he's napping, cuddle him, or go do something for yourself. I know it sucks to hear, but it will take time and his maturity over time will be what helps you help him understand. But, it would probably be good to start a routine with him, so when his little light finally turns on he already knows what comes next, or how you do things.
Example, Kaji has this excited pee thing he does that would drive me crazy! (he's 1 yr 8 months) I would come home and he would be really excited to see him only to get a squirt of pee on my work shirt.
At first I took it real personal and really, that was a mistake. For the last 8 months I've established a routine where the very first thing I do with Kaji is take him to go pee, whether it was outside or piddle pad. He now greets me at the door, does a happy dance and then bolts to the bathroom where he knows his piddle pad is. It took time but problem solved! He knows the routine and he knows what comes next. It helps to have the routine and I don't think it's a bad idea to start one now.