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

Marcelino Nunez is preparing for a heated reception when he returns to Carrow Road with Ipswich on Saturday, but the Chile international is undaunted by the prospect. Nunez became the first player to move directly from Norwich to Ipswich since 2001 when he completed a £10m switch in August. He played a key role in helping Ipswich beat their rivals for the first time in 16 years, setting up the third goal in a 3-1 win. 'It was an important challenge because Ipswich hadn't beaten Norwich in so long and I had helped to extend that run even further,' Nunez tells Sky Sports. 'It was a big task but we managed to turn it around and end the run and I was really happy about it.' Nunez's celebrations that day, waving a corner flag in front of jubilant Ipswich fans, were a natural release of emotion. 'In South America, when you win a big derby you celebrate a lot and that South American side of me came out a bit,' he explains. The 26-year-old feels his experience of intense derbies in South America will help him cope with the hostility that awaits him at Carrow Road. 'In South America the derbies, the clásicos, are more intense, with more pressure,' he says. 'And I think that works in my favour because I've played under pressure.' Nunez's move to Ipswich was motivated by his desire to win the championship and achieve promotion to the Premier League. '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 says. 'The fans welcomed me incredibly well, even though I came from a rival, and overall I'm very happy with the team and with the manager.' Nunez has been impressed by Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna, who he believes has had a significant impact on his game. 'He is one of the best coaches I've had in my career up until now,' Nunez 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 games remaining, Nunez is relaxed about Ipswich's promotion prospects, but he knows the importance of taking it one step at a time. 'What I see in the team is that it's a very solid group,' he says. '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.'