Nunez: My Goal is to Become a Champion with Ipswich

Marcelino Nunez is preparing for a fiery 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 his new team's success, including a 3-1 win over his former club. "It was an important challenge because Ipswich hadn't beaten Norwich in so long and I had helped to extend that run even further," he explains. Nunez's celebrations after the match, which included waving a corner flag in front of jubilant Ipswich fans, showcased his passion and dedication to his new team. "It was natural, it just came to me spontaneously," he says. "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 is motivated to face his former team and is confident in his ability to cope with the pressure. "In South America the derbies, the clásicos, are more intense, with more pressure," he notes. "And I think that works in my favour because I've played under pressure." Ipswich's ambition to reach the Premier League was a major factor in Nunez's decision to join the team. "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 states. Nunez has been impressed with the team's unity and focus, as well as the management of coach Kieran McKenna. "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 remaining Championship games, including the upcoming match against Norwich, Nunez is relaxed about Ipswich's promotion prospects. "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. I want to experience that feeling," he concludes.