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

Marcelino Nunez is preparing for a fiery reception when he returns to his former club, Carrow Road, with his new team, Ipswich, on Saturday. Nunez made the switch from Norwich to Ipswich in August, becoming the first player to do so since Andy Marshall in 2001. He played a crucial role in helping Ipswich beat their rivals for the first time in 16 years with a 3-1 win. Nunez says, 'It was a big task, but we managed to turn it around and end the run, and I was really happy about it.' He is unfazed by the hostility that awaits him at Carrow Road, citing his experience playing in intense derbies in South America. 'In South America, the derbies are more intense, with more pressure,' he explains. 'And I think that works in my favour because I've played under pressure.' Nunez's move to Ipswich was driven by his ambition to fight for the championship. '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. He praises Ipswich's manager, Kieran McKenna, saying, 'He's an excellent coach for me. I also saw that they had a lot of resources to establish themselves as a strong team and fight for promotion.' Nunez has been instrumental in Ipswich's success this season, with a win rate of 70 per cent in the 20 games he has started. He credits McKenna for his impact, saying, '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, saying, '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.'