Nunez: My Goal Was to Become a Champion, That's Why I Left Norwich for Ipswich

Marcelino Nunez is preparing for a heated reception at Carrow Road on Saturday, but the Ipswich player remains unfazed. Having made the switch from Norwich to Ipswich in August, Nunez has been instrumental in helping his new team beat their rivals for the first time in 16 years. "It was a big task, but we managed to turn it around and end the run," he says. Nunez's celebrations after the win were spontaneous, waving a corner flag in front of jubilant Ipswich fans. "It was natural, it just came to me spontaneously," he explains. "In South America, when you win a big derby, you celebrate a lot, and that South American side of me came out a bit." Nunez feels his experience playing in intense derbies in South America will help him cope with the hostility he expects to face at Carrow Road. "I know there is going to be a bit more heat on me, because of the fans and because of what happened with my transfer, but it motivates me," he says. The Chile international is focused on helping Ipswich take another step closer to the Premier League. "Our mentality, and my mentality, is to take three points and win," he says. Nunez's move to Ipswich was driven by his ambition to become a champion. "I was very clear about my goal, which was to fight for the championship, so that's why I made the decision to move to Ipswich," he explains. He has been impressed by the team's unity and focus under coach Kieran McKenna. "We are very united and also focused on our objective, which is to get promoted to the Premier League," he says. Nunez has played a crucial role in Ipswich's success this season, with a win rate of 70 per cent in the 20 games he has started. "I am just a small piece of the puzzle," he says. "I think we are all important in the team, those who play and even those who are injured." Nunez credits McKenna for his impact, saying he is one of the best coaches he has had in his career. "He is one of the best coaches I've had up until now," he says. "He organises the training sessions incredibly well, he's very intelligent, he knows how to keep the dressing room united, and he gives the players lots of confidence." With seven remaining Championship games, Nunez is relaxed about Ipswich's promotion prospects. "I want to experience the feeling of playing in the Premier League," he says. "What I see in the team is that it's a very solid group. There are very good team-mates and the coach is one of the best I've had in my career. With the team we have, I think we will reach the Premier League."