Rain, rain, go away: weather forces Liverpool to cancel Mong Kok open training session

Amber rainstorm warning means Juergen Klopp’s side have to change plans, raising further questions over Hong Kong Stadium pitch ahead of Wednesday’s Premier League Asia Trophy opener against Crystal Palace

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Liverpool have received a warm welcome in Hong Kong despite the weather. Photo Nora Tam

Published: 12:26pm, 18 Jul 2017Updated: 1:46pm, 18 Jul 2017

Liverpool cancelled Tuesday’s planned open training session at Mong Kok Stadium as heavy rain in Hong Kong wreaked havoc on their preparations for the Premier League Asia Trophy, while also raising further questions over the state of the Hong Kong Stadium pitch just a day before the tournament opener.

Juergen Klopp’s side were due to train in front of their “most passionate supporters” at 4pm at the 7,000-seater venue, having arrived in Hong Kong on Monday.

But despite the amber rainstorm warning being cancelled just before midday, Liverpool opted for an alternative venue that “is unable to accommodate a large number of fans”.

Liverpool begin their Asia Trophy campaign against Crystal Palace on Wednesday, while Leicester City face West Bromwich Albion.

“We will of course continue to monitor the weather and pitch conditions at Mong Kok and will keep our fans updated ahead of Friday’s planned fans open training session,” Liverpool said in a statement.

“We apologise for the inconvenience this causes and hope our fans will understand that the pitch conditions are critical to our players’ preparations.”