Ipswich Town star’s international exit gets mysterious – Various reports on training drama

Ipswich Town midfielder Marcelino Núñez was sent home from the Chile squad over an alleged clash within the squad.

Sport Witness reported on the midfielder’s exit from the national team squad and Chile’s ‘unexpected loss’.

That report came courtesy of an official report from the Chilean national team, who failed to provide any further clarification on the matter.  Now El Periodista cover further information on the matter.

What’s actually being suggested?

Núñez has left the squad following rumours of alleged friction with interim coach Nicolás Córdova and even a heated altercation with other squad members.

First there is a report from Cooperative Deportiva. They report that Núñez  was involved in a heated dispute with squad members. The Ipswich Town star even ‘had a confrontation’ with Lucas Cepeda that ‘nearly turned physical’.

This version of events states that the Ipswich midfielder became upset with a large part of the group after Chile’s 4-2 loss to the USA on Wednesday. That incident led to his departure from the camp.

This information has not been officially confirmed by the ANFP or the individuals involved, to be clear. The Federation simply stated that the footballer was released “for personal reasons”.

Disappointment

A second explanation from ADN Deportes then goes a little bit further. That stated that Núñez asked to return to England after becoming upset with his coach, Nicolás Córdova. He was left disappointed at being left sat on the bench against the USA.

The Ipswich midfielder had started the international break’s opening clash against Canada, playing 52 minutes. But was then left on the bench for the USA clash.

ADN report that this led to frustration, leading him to ask to leave the training camp and return to Ipswich.

This was granted. Again, there is no confirmation of the events from Chile at this point. But it does appear there has been an incident behind the scenes that’s led to his departure.