South Korea’s new interim coach Robert Moreno said Monday he wants to make the country’s football fans “happy” after a disastrous World Cup campaign and a series of controversies surrounding the national team.
The former Spain coach, who earlier this year denied reports that he had used ChatGPT to prepare for matches, will take charge for four friendlies over the coming months.
The Korea Football Association (KFA) said Moreno could remain in the job through the Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia in January and February, “subject to an evaluation”.
Moreno named captain Son Heung-min in his first squad and said he wanted to restore confidence among supporters.
“We’re going to try to do our work honestly and with the aim of making all Korean football fans happy,” said the 48-year-old, the first Spaniard to coach South Korea.
“Good matches, and trying to help the players.”
Moreno’s first matches will come against Ecuador and Uruguay in September, followed by Venezuela and Uzbekistan in October.
South Korea had been without a coach since Hong Myung-bo stepped down following the team’s shock group-stage exit from the World Cup in North America in June.
Hong’s departure did little to ease public anger over the disappointing campaign and intensified scrutiny of the process that led to his appointment.
Police raided KFA headquarters last month as part of an investigation into Hong’s 2024 appointment.
The KFA has also apologised over allegations that it provided sexual entertainment for foreign referees.
Moreno included Son, now playing for Major League Soccer club Los Angeles FC, alongside Atletico Madrid’s Lee Kang-in and Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae.
Hong’s decision to leave Son on the bench for the first half of the decisive World Cup match against South Africa baffled and angered many supporters.
“We’re all aware of Son’s versatility,” Moreno said. “For me he can play in three positions.”
Moreno was also asked about allegations that he used artificial intelligence while coaching Russian club Sochi.
He left the top-flight side in September 2025 after a poor run of results amid reports that he had relied heavily on ChatGPT, including when assessing potential signings.
Moreno dismissed the reports as “a piece of news that is completely false and went viral”.
“Obviously I use technology,” he said.
“Anyone who spends 10 minutes looking into it can see that everything has been taken out of context and put together to cause harm.”
AFP
