JEONJU, South Korea — Inspired Al Ain coach Zlatko Dalic has beckoned his troops to fight “for glory, for history” when the opening clash of the 2016 AFC Champions League final takes place at South Korean powerhouse Jeonbuk Hyundai Motorson Saturday.

A defining week awaits for the Boss, who are attempting to land their second-ever success in Asia’s premier club tournament. This will be the culmination of a rollercoaster 10-month journey, which began with consecutive defeats in Group D to Qatar’s El Jaish but now promises a shot at veneration.

Damp conditions in Jeonju will provide its own challenge, as well as the ferocity of the 2006 winners and their dilapidated ground which has fallen into disrepair since hosting three World Cup 2002 matches.

For Dalic, 50, he urged his players to seize the moment ahead of next weekend’s return leg at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium.

He said: “These seven days are the most important in the season for both teams. Two of the best teams in Asia will play to be champions, for glory, for history.

“Now we are close, but are still too far from our dream, from our goal.

“I believe in my team, my players, my job. We came here to try to play a good game and make a good result for us, a happy result for the second game.

“Big respect for our opponents. I know they are very strong team – if you reach the final you must be a big team.

“But we are ready for a big final and we are ready to win.”

Opposite number Choi Kang-hee chose to highlight both the club and his vast experience of continental competition as he delivered a poignant pre-match message.

He said: “Back in 2006 in the AFC Champions League (when he was previously in charge), the Jeonbuk team were able to win the trophy.

“On the way to the stadium, that memory came into my mind, to memorise all the good things from 2006.

“In 2011, the team were not able to grab the trophy even though it was a home game. That defeat became a nightmare, every day for the last five years.

“And now, there is an opportunity to seize the championship.”

A major issue since Al Ain exacted revenge on Jaish and Jeonbuk crushed big-city rivals FC Seoul in mid-October has been the condition of Jeonju World Cup Stadium’s pitch.

Threats were made by the AFC about moving the fixture, with their fears only calmed after several inspections.

Dalic declared this was just the latest challenge during a sinuous and taxing route to this point.

“In the past 10 months there was nothing easy for us,” said the Croatian, who has led Al Ain to the 2014 President’s Cup and 2014/15 Arabian Gulf League since he took over two-and-a-half years ago.  “I don’t want to think about pitch, rain, temperature.

“I don’t want to find excuses; it’s the final.”

Harrowing experiences in the immediate past have derailed Jeonbuk. A conviction for bribery of referees – for which nervous AFC officials shot down further questioning yesterday – committed by a scout three years ago saw the K League Classic disciplinary committee issue a nine-point deduction on September 30, with this contributing to the painful surrendering of the title two weeks ago to Seoul.

“Not winning the domestic league title can affect the players,” said Choi. “However, so far this season we have gone through all the tournaments.

“The players know the importance of the AFC Champions League final.”

In a campaign defined by exceptional away performances, much will depend on playmaker Omar Abdulrahman. A likely coronation as 2016 AFC Player of the Year will turn into an inevitability if he claims a ninth man-of-the-match award in 13 ACL fixtures.

“Omar deserves this title,” said Dalic. “I hope he will be the best player in Asia.

“Always I prefer the team. Omar Abdulrahman is our best player but always I push the team.

“We cannot depend just on Amoory. Inshallah, inshallah, Omar will be the best player in Asia.”