Shandong Luneng coach thumbs up to Jeonbuk before ACL clash

JINAN, east China - Chinese Super League side Shandong Luneng head coach Cuca said on Monday that South Korea's Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors are one of the leading teams in East Asia, but still feels confident to beat them.

"Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors play the game in a very fast pace with several excellent foreign players, and I think they are one of the leading teams in east Asia," said Cuca ahead of the two teams' clash on Tuesday in the Asian Champions League.

Shandong beat Vietnam's Becamex Binh Duong in the opening round, while Jeonbuk were held 0-0 at home by Japan's Kashiwa Reysol.

The Chinese Super League side need three more points to build up solid advantage and Jeonbuk want a win to catch up.

"Jeonbuk should have won the game against Kashiwa Reysol as the game proceeded. They had chances but tied 0-0 in the end," Cuca said. "Jeonbuk took the title of the South Korean league in 2014 and they made some good signings this season, so they are better than Pohang Steelers."

Cuca said his players watched the game video of Jeonbuk and Kashiwa Reysol and are high-spirited ahead of the crucial match.

"My players are well-prepared," said Cuca, adding that he already told his players the key to beat Jeonbuk.

Shandong Luneng have made seven appearances in the ACL, with the best performance in 2005 reaching the quarterfinals.