South Korea’s new manager Robert Moreno dismisses ‘AI coaching’ allegations
Robert Moreno has been named interim head coach of South Korea following a troubled World Cup campaign and recent turmoil at the Korea Football Association. At his first news conference he rejected claims he relied on artificial intelligence while managing Russian club Sochi, but acknowledged using technology in his coaching work and named Son Heung-min in a squad for four upcoming friendlies.
Why It Matters
Moreno takes over amid intense public scrutiny of South Korean football after poor tournament results and off-field scandals, and his hiring — plus questions about the use of AI in coaching — could shape perceptions ahead of the Asian Cup and a series of preparatory matches.
Key Facts
- Appointment: Robert Moreno appointed interim head coach of South Korea
- Denial: Moreno denied reports he used artificial intelligence while at Russian club Sochi, calling the story false
- Technology: Moreno said he uses technology in his work
- Sochi departure: Moreno left Russian top-flight side Sochi in September 2025 after a poor run of results
- ChatGPT allegations: Reports said he relied on ChatGPT at Sochi and used it to help decide potential signings
Spain-born coach Robert Moreno has been installed as South Korea’s interim manager after a fraught period for the national team and the Korea Football Association (KFA). Moreno, 48, took questions at his first press conference as the Taegeuk Warriors’ temporary coach and pledged to focus on restoring confidence among supporters.
Moreno addressed media reports claiming he had leaned on artificial intelligence during his previous job at Russian club Sochi. He called the accounts false and viral misinformation, while also admitting that he employs technology as part of his coaching process. Moreno left Sochi in September 2025 following a run of poor results, a departure that had been accompanied by reports alleging extensive use of tools such as ChatGPT in recruitment and match preparation.
His appointment comes after a damaging World Cup for South Korea, which exited in the group stage in North America and then saw long-serving coach Hong Myung-bo resign in June. The KFA has been under scrutiny: police searched its headquarters amid an investigation into Hong’s 2024 appointment, and the federation apologised over allegations it provided sexual entertainment to foreign referees — matters that intensified public dissatisfaction.
Moreno named captain Son Heung-min among the players called up for four home friendly fixtures, and confirmed matches against Ecuador and Uruguay in September and Venezuela and Uzbekistan in October. He included Atletico Madrid’s Lee Kang-in and Bayern Munich’s Kim Min-jae in the squad and said he hopes to give fans enjoyable performances. The KFA indicated Moreno could remain in charge for the Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia in January-February, but that would be decided after an evaluation.
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