Interim South Korea coach Moreno denies using AI to prepare for games while naming first roster

Cheonan, South Korea (AP) — Interim South Korean coach Robert Moreno dismissed allegations of using artificial intelligence to prepare for games while unveiling his inaugural squad on Monday. Moreno, who took over in August for a term ending in November, succeeded Hong Myung-bo, who resigned following a disappointing World Cup where the team was eliminated in the group stage.

Moreno, previously in charge of Spain for nine matches in 2009, was dismissed by Sochi FC in September 2025 following a string of poor results, with accusations that he utilized AI. "If you verify facts, you will see that much of what was reported was taken out of context and blown out of proportion," Moreno asserted at a press conference in Cheonan.

"Those reports are not true. I employ technology, but those claims are inaccurate." The inaugural match under Moreno's leadership is scheduled for September 24 against Ecuador, with Son Heung-min retaining his position as team captain. "We are all aware of Son's versatility," Moreno noted of the 34-year-old LAFC forward, adding that he can play in three positions.

Moreno's objective is to restore confidence in the national team, which saw disquiet about Hong Myung-bo's appointment in 2024 escalate to anger after the team's poor performances at the World Cup. Hong faced intense questioning from lawmakers in July, alongside Chung Mong-gyu, the former head of the Korea Football Association, whose offices were raided by police in August.

The association apologized following a leaked government audit revealing that it had provided "sexual entertainment" for foreign referees in 2011 and 2012. Moreno stated, "I have studied World Cup matches and players inside out but I think it is inappropriate to publicly evaluate my predecessor. It is crucial to consider past events as opportunities for learning.

What is evident is that when you lose, numerous issues arise. However, when you win, they diminish." South Korea will also face Uruguay, Venezuela, Uzbekistan, and two teams yet to be announced as part of their preparation for the 2027 Asian Cup, which commences in January in Saudi Arabia.