**South Korea’s New Interim Coach Robert Moreno Addresses AI Allegations**
*Published on September 14, 2026*
South Korea’s newly appointed interim football coach, Robert Moreno, has publicly refuted claims that he relied on artificial intelligence during his previous coaching stint. Moreno, who took over the role following a tumultuous period for the South Korean national team, emphasized the importance of technology in modern coaching but clarified that he did not depend on AI tools like ChatGPT for his decision-making.
In his first press conference as the head of the Taegeuk Warriors, Moreno expressed his commitment to revitalizing South Korean football and restoring the confidence of fans. “We’re going to try to do our work honestly and with the aim of making all Korean football fans happy,” the 48-year-old stated. He is the first Spaniard to take on the coaching responsibilities for the South Korean national team.
Moreno's appointment comes in the wake of significant challenges for the Korea Football Association (KFA) and the national team, which recently faced public disappointment after a dismal World Cup performance. The team exited the tournament in the group stage, leading to the resignation of former coach Hong Myung-bo. The KFA has been under scrutiny, with police investigations into the circumstances surrounding Hong’s appointment and allegations of misconduct involving foreign referees.
Addressing the AI allegations, Moreno clarified that while he does utilize technology in his coaching methods, the reports claiming he heavily relied on AI tools were misleading. “It was a piece of news that is completely false and went viral,” he said, referring to the speculation surrounding his tenure at Russian club Sochi, where he left after a series of poor results. Reports had suggested that he used ChatGPT to assist in player evaluations and signings, which he vehemently denied.
Moreno’s immediate focus will be on upcoming friendly matches, where he aims to bring a fresh perspective to the team. He has already named key players, including captain Son Heung-min, who currently plays for Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer, in his squad for four home friendlies. The matches will see South Korea face Ecuador and Uruguay in September, followed by encounters with Venezuela and Uzbekistan in October.
The KFA has indicated that Moreno’s tenure could extend beyond these friendlies, potentially leading into the Asian Cup scheduled for January-February in Saudi Arabia, pending an evaluation of his performance.
Moreno acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead, particularly in terms of rebuilding team morale and performance after the World Cup disappointment. He expressed confidence in Son’s versatility, stating, “For me, he can play in three positions,” highlighting his intention to leverage the talents of his players effectively.
As South Korea looks to move past recent controversies and regain its status in international football, Moreno's leadership will be crucial in navigating the team through this transitional phase. His commitment to engaging with fans and fostering a positive atmosphere around the national team will be closely watched in the coming months.