How Norwich City's dressing room feels about Marcelino Nunez joining Ipswich Town | OneFootball

Marcelino Nunez made the switch from Norwich City to Ipswich Town late in the transfer window

Liam Gibbs has revealed that Norwich City players were hurt by Marcelino Nunez’s decision to move to bitter rivals Ipswich Town.

The Chile international made the switch late in the transfer window, with the Canaries reportedly agreeing a £10 million deal to sell the player.

The midfielder had proven a key part of the side during his time at Carrow Road, making 105 appearances across the last three seasons in the Championship.

But he became the first player since 2001 to move from Norwich to Ipswich, with Kieraan McKenna’s side seeking promotion back to the Premier League at the first attempt.

Nunez made his debut for the Tractor Boys last Friday, coming off the bench in the second half of the team’s 5-0 win over Sheffield United following the return to action from the international break.

Liam Gibbs opens up on Norwich City reaction to Marcelino Nunez’s Ipswich move

Gibbs has claimed that he doesn’t have a particularly strong view of Nunez’s decision, but revealed that the players at Norwich were hurt by the transfer.

He believes the squad’s focus has now moved on to their main goal of fighting for promotion, and that they’re looking forward to the upcoming clash against McKenna’s side.

“I think it’s a difficult one because there’s obviously such a big rivalry there, and he was such a big fan favourite, so it is very difficult,” said Gibbs, via The PinkUn on YouTube.

“I think for him it was a decision he was willing to make knowing the reaction that it was going to get.

“It’s down to him to make that decision.

“I, personally, don’t have too much of a view on it, I think the players are a little bit hurt by the fact that he’s gone to the rival club in the same league as us, competing for what we’re all competing for.

“So, as a Norwich City player, we never want one of our own to go to them to join Ipswich, but it’s happened now, so we’ve all sort of moved on from it now and focussed on what we can do.

“Obviously, we play them soon, so hopefully we can continue the run and get the better of them.”

Nunez was an important figure for Norwich, cementing his place as a regular part of the team during his stint at Carrow Road.

But the Canaries were willing to sanction his exit late in the window following a £10 million bid from their bitter rivals.

Liam Manning’s side have made a mixed start to the new Championship season, earning seven points from a possible 15.

Up next for Norwich is a home clash against Wrexham on 20 September in a 3pm kick-off, with their next game against Ipswich coming on 5 October at Portman Road.

Norwich squad can’t dwell on Marcelino Nunez’s Ipswich switch

The reaction to Nunez’s move is not surprising, as trading one rival for another is always going to be a controversial decision, especially given the tension between these two clubs in particular.

But the Norwich squad have to move on quickly from what’s happened, which it sounds like they have, as there’s nothing they can do about it now.

The meeting between the two sides will have some added tension when they play each other next month, especially if Nunez is heavily involved.

However, it should now be up to the fans to have their say on the matter, while Manning’s squad should be focused on winning games and playing well.