Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors have reportedly shifted their training to Abu Dhabi ahead of the Asian Champions League final second leg against Al Ain, because they were not satisfied with the facilities provided in the Garden City.
The South Koreans, 2-1 up from last Saturday’s initial encounter, take on the UAE club this weekend and had arrived in the Emirates on Monday to begin preparations for Asian club football’s showpiece event. The second leg takes place on Saturday at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium.
However, after training on the adjoining pitch at the Sheikh Khalifa International Stadium – the venue Al Ain typically use in the build-up to matches – Jeonbuk complained about the condition of the playing surface and are thus believed to have relocated to Emirate Palace hotel in the capital.
More on the Asian Champions League final from John McAuley:
• Zlatko Dalic: Al Ain's chances of claiming a second Asian Champions League crown are '50/50'
• Report: Al Ain still alive despite Jeonbuk's slender advantage
• Five lessons: Al Ain must learn from first leg defeat
• Zlatko Dalic: Manager 'convinced' Al Ain can overturn first-leg deficit
• Ismail Ahmed: 'We still have the second half to play'
They are expected to remain there until Wednesday. Jeonbuk had wanted to train at Al Ain’s Tahnoun bin Mohammed Stadium, but were apparently told it would not be ready until Thursday.
The latest predicament continues to strain slightly the relations between the two teams, as Al Ain were last week given pitches next to the Jeonju World Cup Stadium, the setting for the first leg, on which to train, but those reportedly did not have floodlights. They also maintain the pitch at the Sheikh Khalifa International Stadium is of better quality to those offered in Jeonju.
Al Ain, the UAE’s only Asian champions, are seeking to win the trophy for the first time since 2003. Jeonbuk, meanwhile, won the continental title in 2006. Both teams are contesting the Champions League final for a third time.
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