Robert Moreno Vows to Restore South Korea Fans’ Smiles After World Cup Fallout

New South Korea interim coach Robert Moreno has promised to help restore confidence among the country’s football supporters following a disappointing World Cup campaign and a series of controversies surrounding the national team.

Moreno, a former Spain coach, was appointed to oversee South Korea’s upcoming friendly matches and could remain in charge through the Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia early next year, subject to an evaluation by the Korea Football Association (KFA).

The 48-year-old named captain Son Heung-min in his first squad and said his immediate priority was to deliver performances that would reconnect the team with its supporters.

“We’re going to try to do our work honestly and with the aim of making all Korean football fans happy,” Moreno said. “Good matches, and trying to help the players.”

Moreno will lead South Korea against Ecuador and Uruguay in September before facing Venezuela and Uzbekistan in October. He also selected Atletico Madrid’s Lee Kang-in and Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae alongside Son, who now plays for Major League Soccer side Los Angeles FC.

South Korea had been without a permanent coach since Hong Myung-bo resigned following the team’s shock group-stage elimination from the World Cup in North America in June. Hong’s departure came amid growing criticism over both the team’s performance and the circumstances surrounding his appointment in 2024.

The controversy surrounding the KFA deepened last month when police raided the association’s headquarters as part of an investigation into Hong’s appointment. The federation has also apologised over allegations that it provided sexual entertainment for foreign referees.

Moreno said he was aware of the scrutiny surrounding Son, particularly after the striker was left on the bench during the first half of South Korea’s decisive World Cup match against South Africa, a decision that frustrated supporters. “We’re all aware of Son’s versatility,” Moreno said, adding that he believed the captain could operate in three different positions.

The Spaniard also rejected reports that he had relied heavily on ChatGPT while coaching Russian club Sochi, where he left in September 2025 following a poor run of results. Reports had claimed he used the artificial intelligence tool to help with tactical decisions and even assess potential signings.

Moreno dismissed the claims as “a piece of news that is completely false and went viral”, while acknowledging that he uses technology in his work. He said the reports had taken information out of context and combined it in a way that was intended to damage his reputation.