Victory’s Asian Champions League opponent Jeonbuk Motors has game in Korea delayed to prepare

JEONBUK Motors have had this weekend’s Korean league clash postponed to focus on Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park.

JEONBUK Motors have had this weekend’s Korean league clash postponed to focus on Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park.

Equal top in the league, Jeonbuk’s home clash with Gwangju has been moved to June 4 to allow them to depart for Melbourne earlier for the two-legged Round of 16 duel.

The move will spark debate among A-League clubs who’ve campaigned for flexibility in the A-League fixtures for Champions League participants.

Victory and FFA were set to feud had Kevin Muscat’s side beaten Brisbane in the elimination final, with the players’ association expressing concerns as Victory was due to play three games in eight days while travelling 25 hours.

Muscat, who watched Jeonbuk’s 3-2 win over Suwon Bluewings in Korea, told SEN’s World of Football that A-League clubs should be granted more flexibility.

“I’ve never made excuses but I’d love to see the Champions League teams helped a lot more than they are at the moment,’’ Muscat said.

Victory coach Kevin Muscat wants A-League clubs to have greater flexibility around fixturing.

“We’re not involved next year at this point, but I’d love to give my feedback to FFA in relation to making it not easier, but fairer for teams in the Asian Champions League.

“It needs to be addressed. It’s all well and good saying we want to be successful in Asia because it helps our code and league, but you’ve got to give clubs a better chance of doing that.

“We’ve probably played more games this season than any other club in A-League history having gone to the FFA Cup final and advanced from the group stage.

“But games aren’t the issue, it’s the lack of training in between and trying to replicate that, a lot of the coaching has to be done in the theatrette and in meetings.’’

The May 17 AAMI Park clash is followed by the return leg in Jeonbuk a week later, with the winner advancing to the quarter-finals, which are played in August.

Originally published as Victory’s Asian Champions League opponent Jeonbuk Motors has game in Korea delayed to prepare