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Newly appointed South Korea interim manager Robert Moreno has strongly dismissed viral claims alleging that he relied on artificial intelligence to guide his tactical preparations and transfer business in his previous post. Addressing his first official press conference since taking the helm of the Taegeuk Warriors, the Spanish tactician addressed the persistent online rumors while pledging to bring joy back to the country's disheartened supporters following a turbulent period.
The 48-year-old manager spoke directly to the media on Monday to clear the air regarding reports linked to his time with Russian Premier League club Sochi. Moreno departed the Russian outfit in September 2025 after enduring a difficult run of negative results, after which reports surfaced suggesting he had leaned heavily on ChatGPT to prepare match plans and decide between prospective player acquisitions.
Moreno, who had already been forced to issue denials regarding ChatGPT usage earlier in the year, labeled the narrative completely untrue. He stressed that while digital tools remain a routine component of modern coaching analysis, the suggestions that an automated system ran his team were fabricated stories that had spiraled across social media platforms.
Clarifying his methodology, the interim boss acknowledged that technological resources have long played a constructive role in his day-to-day operations. However, he insisted that the specific claims of using artificial intelligence to oversee managerial responsibilities had been deliberately distorted to inflict reputational damage.
The Spaniard noted that anyone spending just ten minutes reviewing the situation would easily determine that the facts had been stripped of context. He expressed his determination to move past the distraction, assuring that his staff would conduct their work with complete honesty and dedication to the national team.
Moreno's appointment represents a historic development for the Korea Football Association, making him the first Spanish national to ever manage the South Korean senior men's team. His arrival comes during an urgent transitional phase, with the federation turning to his leadership to stabilize the program ahead of a packed slate of autumn fixtures.
The Taegeuk Warriors enter this new chapter following months of immense disappointment on and off the pitch. The national side endured a disastrous campaign at the FIFA World Cup in North America in June, crashing out in the group stage to the shock and dismay of fans across the country.
The early elimination precipitated the immediate resignation of former manager Hong Myung-bo, whose tactical choices had sparked widespread controversy. In particular, supporters and observers were left baffled and furious by Hong's decision to leave star captain Son Heung-min on the bench throughout the opening half of a decisive World Cup fixture against South Africa.
Hong's departure failed to quell public anger, as scrutiny quickly intensified over the administrative processes that led to his hiring in 2024. The crisis surrounding the Korea Football Association escalated further last month when law enforcement authorities executed a police raid on the governing body's headquarters as part of an investigation into the appointment.
The federation has simultaneously found itself mired in broader institutional controversies that have damaged its public standing. Among the off-field issues, the KFA recently issued a formal apology over separate allegations involving the provision of sexual entertainment to foreign referees.
Against this troubled backdrop, Moreno will be tasked with guiding the national team through four consecutive home friendly matches. The Taegeuk Warriors are scheduled to take on South American sides Ecuador and Uruguay during the September international window, before hosting Venezuela and Uzbekistan in October.
The interim arrangement could potentially extend into major tournament competition in the near future. The KFA confirmed that Moreno could remain in charge through the upcoming Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, which is scheduled to take place across January and February, subject to a formal performance evaluation following the friendly matches.
In his initial squad announcement, Moreno retained a world-class core of South Korean talent competing across top global competitions. Among those selected are Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae, Atletico Madrid midfielder Lee Kang-in, and team captain Son Heung-min, who now plays in Major League Soccer with Los Angeles FC.
Moreno made special mention of Son's tactical importance, expressing full confidence in the veteran attacker's adaptability. Highlighting that the captain possesses the capability to operate effectively across three distinct positions, the newly appointed Spanish coach underscored his commitment to empowering his players and restoring a winning atmosphere for South Korean football fans.
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