Marcelino Nunez sat alone in the quiet of Portman Road, fully aware a very different reception awaits him across the Suffolk–Norfolk border on Saturday. Having moved from Norwich to Ipswich in August for a reported £10m, the Chilean is braced for a frosty welcome at Carrow Road.
Nunez was the first player to transfer from Norwich to Ipswich since Andy Marshall in 2001. A few weeks after that move he played a decisive role in Ipswich’s first derby win over Norwich in 16 years, coming off the bench to set up Jack Clarke’s goal in a 3-1 victory. He celebrated passionately, even waving a corner flag in front of the home fans.
“That celebration was natural — it came out of me,” Nunez said, explaining the emotion behind the reaction. “In South America, big derbies have huge celebrations, and that side of me came out. A derby has to be won and celebrated.”
The memory of that day intensifies the upcoming clash, but Nunez says he is not intimidated by the hostility expected at Carrow Road. The 24-year-old, who joined Norwich from Universidad Católica in 2022, says his experience with fiery South American derbies has helped him cope with pressure and raucous atmospheres. “In South America the clásicos are more intense, with more pressure, and that works in my favour because I’ve played under pressure,” he said in Spanish.
He accepts the match will be heated because of his transfer, but views that as fuel rather than a distraction. “When you step on the pitch you forget everything outside. You must focus on your job, stay positive and be ready for an emotional game. Our mentality is to take three points and win.”
Promotion prospects were the main reason Nunez chose Ipswich. The Tractor Boys sit in contention for the Championship’s top places — a point behind Millwall with games in hand — and the chance to reach the Premier League was a major draw. “My goal was to fight for the championship, so that’s why I moved to Ipswich,” he said. “The fans welcomed me incredibly well even though I came from a rival. I’m very happy with the team and the manager. We are united and focused on promotion.”
His unveiling at Ipswich included a cheeky tap of the badge and a wink in the club’s signing video, gestures that delighted his new supporters and angered some at Norwich. Still, Nunez insists he holds no grudges. “It was a positive step in my career because Norwich opened doors for me to play in Europe,” he said. But he adds that Kieran McKenna’s project and Ipswich’s resources offered a clearer path to his ambitions. “I became a champion five times in Chile, and my mentality is to win titles. Coach McKenna shares that — he’s an excellent coach and gives players confidence.”
When fit, Nunez has been a key creative force for Ipswich. He has contributed assists, set-piece threat, goals and energy from a No.10 role. Ipswich’s record is noticeably stronger with him in the starting XI: a 70% win rate in the 20 matches he has started this season versus 32% in the 24 he has not. Nunez is quick to deflect individual accolades. “I’m just one piece of the puzzle. Everyone is important, whether they play or are injured. I try to stay positive and help the team however I can.”
Statistically he stands out: eight assists this season and three goals, two of which were free-kicks in a 4-1 win over QPR in November. He’s also renowned for long-range strikes — his tally of 10 goals from outside the box is the joint-highest in the Championship since the start of 2022/23, level with Burnley’s Zian Flemming.
Nunez credits McKenna for much of his form. “He’s one of the best coaches I’ve had. Training is well organised, he knows how to keep the dressing room united and gives players confidence. He keeps you calm and lets you do your job. I prepare properly — training, recovery, diet — and on a personal level I’m relaxed.”
A promotion push would bring Nunez closer to a childhood dream. “I always dreamed of the Premier League but didn’t imagine it would happen so quickly. It’s incredible to be so close. We have games in hand and it’s up to us. The team is solid, we have great teammates and one of the best coaches I’ve had. I believe we can reach the Premier League and I want to experience that feeling.”
First, however, he must face the derby atmosphere that means so much to both sets of supporters. Norwich vs Ipswich will be shown live on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event on Saturday from 11am; kick-off 12.30pm.