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

Marcelino Nunez is preparing for a fiery reception at Carrow Road, but he remains focused on helping Ipswich achieve their Premier League ambitions. Nunez made the switch from Norwich to Ipswich in August, becoming the first player to do so since Andy Marshall in 2001. He has since played a crucial role in Ipswich's success, including scoring the goal that settled the previous East Anglian derby in Norwich's favour and helping Ipswich beat their rivals for the first time in 16 years. Nunez celebrates his goal with a corner flag, waving it in front of jubilant Ipswich fans. He says, 'It was natural, it just came to me spontaneously. In South America, when you win a big derby, you celebrate a lot, and that South American side of me came out a bit.' The Chile international feels well-equipped to cope with the hostility that awaits him at Carrow Road, having played under pressure in South America. 'In South America, the derbies, the clásicos, are more intense, with more pressure,' he explains. 'And I think that works in my favour because I've played under pressure.' Nunez is motivated to face the game on Saturday and is focused on taking three points and winning. Ipswich are a point behind Millwall in third place, with three games in hand on the team above them, and a win would take them closer to the Premier League. The Premier League ambition was the main attraction for Nunez, who says, '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 credits coach Kieran McKenna for his impact and says, 'He is one of the best coaches I've had in my career up until now. 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.' Nunez is relaxed about Ipswich's promotion prospects and says reaching the Premier League would allow him to realise a childhood dream. 'I always dreamt about it, but I never imagined going to England would happen so quickly and being a step away from the Premier League,' he says. 'It's something incredible that's happening, and it's close, so we just have to focus on each match.'