New South Korea interim coach Robert Moreno has rejected claims that he used ChatGPT to prepare his teams, select line-ups or make major football decisions during his spell with Russian club Sochi.
The allegations, which first emerged earlier this year, have returned to public attention following Moreno’s appointment as South Korea’s temporary head coach.
The Korea Football Association confirmed Moreno’s appointment on September 1 after former coach Hong Myung-bo stepped down following South Korea’s early elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Moreno, who previously managed Spain, Monaco, Granada and Sochi, has been at the centre of controversy over reports claiming he depended heavily on artificial intelligence while working in Russia.
The Spanish tactician has consistently dismissed those reports. In a statement published while responding to the allegations, he made his position clear.
“I have never used ChatGPT or any AI to prepare matches, decide line-ups or choose players. That is completely false,” Moreno said.
He explained that while technology has played an important role in his coaching career, his approach is based on conventional football analysis, data and video rather than allowing an AI system to make decisions for him.
Moreno’s background in analysis has been a major part of his coaching identity. His own account of the controversy states that he began analysing football through video at a young age and later developed his career around data and tactical analysis.
Now, his focus has shifted to South Korea, where he has been handed a six-match interim assignment.
The KFA said Moreno will oversee four confirmed friendlies against Ecuador, Uruguay, Venezuela and Uzbekistan between September and October, while the federation is working to arrange two more matches during the November international window.
Moreno’s contract currently runs until November 27, but the KFA has indicated that he could continue through the 2027 AFC Asian Cup if his performance during the six-match period earns the federation’s approval.
The federation has made clear that the assignment is about more than results. According to the KFA, Moreno has been brought in with the specific task of helping to “change the mood of the national team” following the World Cup setback.
Moreno has responded by promising a straightforward approach.
“I will not promise results: I promise work, honesty and respect,” he said after his appointment.
With his first matches approaching, Moreno will now have an opportunity to move beyond the AI controversy and let his work on the pitch determine his future with South Korea.
