Spanish Media Shaken by South Korea's New Coach: "Three Consecutive Sacks"—What Happened?

The appointment of Roberto Moreno as the interim head manager of the South Korean national football team has sparked controversy locally in Spain.

The Spanish media outlet OK Diario reported yesterday (Sept. 1) that "Moreno has become a national team manager again. He has signed with South Korea."

The outlet added, "Moreno is stepping onto a new stage after failing to achieve success with AS Monaco, Granada, and Russia's Sochi," calling it an "unexpected return."

Moreno entered the path of coaching early without professional playing experience and built his coaching career under "Europe's top" manager Luis Enrique.

He enjoyed a smooth rise under Enrique.

After passing through Celta Vigo and AS Roma, he joined FC Barcelona in 2014, and by 2017, he even served as the acting manager of the Spanish national team as a member of the coaching staff.

However, after leaving Enrique's side to begin his own managerial career in earnest, he failed to produce the expected results.

After leaving the Spanish national team, he took the helm at AS Monaco but was sacked in about seven months, and he subsequently stepped down from Granada without completing a full season.

Taking office at Russia's Sochi in 2023, Moreno failed to prevent the team from being relegated to the second division in his first season.

In particular, during this period, controversy arose as allegations were raised that he used artificial intelligence in the process of forming his starting lineup.

Moreno denied the claims, calling them "completely false," but was subsequently dismissed.

The Korea Football Association decided yesterday to appoint Moreno as the head of the men's senior national team and approved the appointment of five coaching staff members who will work with him.

Manager Moreno will lead the team for six A-matches in September-October and November.

(Reported by Kim Jiuk | Video by Choi Kang-san | Design by Yook Do-hyun | Produced by SBS Digital News | Video source: Spanish media 'OK Diario')
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.