"Roberto Moreno to Succeed Hong Myung-bo, Korea's First Open Recruitment Coach" — Major Coverage in Japan

*This content was translated by AI.

Japanese media outlets showed significant interest after Roberto Moreno (49, Spain) was appointed as the interim head coach to lead the South Korean national football team.

On the 1st, Kyodo News reported, "The Korea Football Association (KFA) has appointed Coach Moreno as the interim head coach of the national team. Previously, following South Korea's elimination from the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America and Mexico, former coach Hong Myung-bo resigned, and Coach Moreno was selected as his successor."

Sankei Sports also reported, "The KFA's appointment of Coach Moreno was decided through the first-ever open recruitment process. The agreement includes a clause allowing him to lead the team until the 2026 AFC Asian Cup in January next year, depending on evaluations. Previously, South Korea was eliminated from the World Cup, and former coach Hong Myung-bo suffered significant damage along with the KFA due to allegations of unfairness in the selection process."

Another media outlet, Nikkan Sports, also highlighted the open recruitment method by stating, "Coach Moreno's appointment is a decision made through the first-ever public recruitment. There is also a possibility that Coach Moreno will continue until the Asian Cup. Previously, Coach Hong Myung-bo resigned just one day after South Korea's World Cup elimination was confirmed."

On this day, the KFA officially announced that it has appointed Coach Moreno as the interim head coach to lead six A-match games this year, including four evaluation matches in September and October and two additional evaluation matches in November.

Previously, the KFA conducted an open recruitment process for the interim head coach position. An evaluation committee, composed of some members of the KFA's Power Strengthening Committee and external evaluators, confirmed Coach Moreno's appointment through document reviews, online interviews, and face-to-face meetings.

Coach Moreno previously led the Spanish national team as a senior coach and head coach from 2018 to the following year and also served as a senior coach for FC Barcelona. In addition to Coach Moreno, all five coaches are of Spanish nationality.

The contract period between Coach Moreno and the KFA runs until November 27, with the possibility of extension through the Asian Cup based on evaluations after the six A-match games.

Hyun Young-min Jeon Ryeok-gang-hwa (Chairman) stated, "Coach Moreno already possesses a high level of understanding of Korean football and presented various tactical alternatives, showing impressive dedication. We expect the Moreno-led team, selected through a rigorous process, to play a role in revitalizing the national team's atmosphere and improving performance."

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*This content was translated by AI.