Roberto Moreno, appointed as the interim coach of the South Korean national soccer team, arrived at Incheon International Airport on the morning of September 13 with five members of his coaching staff.
Moreno succeeds Hong Myung-bo, who stepped down after the team was eliminated in the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The Korea Football Association implemented a public recruitment process for the first time in history, selecting Moreno as the final candidate on September 1.
This marks the first time a Spanish national has taken the helm of the South Korean A national team.
Moreno's coaching staff, referred to as 'Team Moreno,' includes head coach Eduardo Docampo, analysis and training methodology expert Hasint Magriña, coach Víctor Bravo DeSoto, physical coach Javier Chocaro, and goalkeeper coach Nico Bosch. Additionally, domestic coaches Cho Yong-hyung and Lee Jae-hong will join the team.
Moreno's initial contract runs until November 27, covering approximately three months. However, it includes provisions for extension based on the team's performance in six A matches scheduled from September to November, with potential continuation through the AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia in January 2027.
Moreno, who did not have a professional playing career, began as a video analyst and is known for his academic approach, having assisted current Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique for an extended period. He served as the interim coach of the Spanish national team in 2019, leading them to an unbeaten record of nine matches (seven wins and two draws) and qualification for Euro 2020. He has also coached AS Monaco in France and Granada in Spain, and most recently led FC Sochi in Russia to promotion to the top league, although he was dismissed due to poor performance.
The national team, under Moreno's leadership, will face Ecuador on September 24 at Suwon World Cup Stadium and Uruguay on September 28 at Seoul World Cup Stadium. They are also scheduled to play two more A matches in October.
Moreno will hold an official press conference on September 14 at 2 PM at Korea Football Park in Cheonan, where he will announce the first roster for the 'Moreno squad.'
* This article has been translated by AI.
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