'First in History' Spanish-Born Korean National Team Coach Moreno: "I Respect Korean Football... I Will Prove It Through Performance"

*This content was translated by AI.

Roberto Moreno (49), a Spanish-born coach newly appointed as the new head coach of the South Korean national football team, expressed his overwhelming emotions upon taking charge and vowed to prove himself through on-field performance.

Spanish media outlet 'El Confidencial' reported on the 3rd (Korean time) that "Coach Moreno, who embarked on a new challenge one year after leaving the Russian club Sochi, has taken charge of the South Korean national team, opening a second chapter as a national team coach."

According to the media, Coach Moreno stated through his agency's public relations team: "I will approach this role with the highest passion and sense of purpose. Building on my experience leading the Spanish national team six years ago, I am committed to building a competitive and well-recognized team capable of taking on the challenge of once again commanding a national squad."

Coach Moreno also personally greeted Korean fans through his official personal channel. He emphasized: "Leading the South Korean national team is both an honor and a heavy responsibility. I have watched Korean football for a long time and deeply respect it. Now, my mission is to give everything for Korean football."

He added, "I will not rashly promise results. However, I promise effort, honesty, and respect. All we wish to say will be shown only through our performance on the field."

The Korea Football Association (KFA) held its 7th board meeting of 2026 on the 1st at Cheonan Korea Football Park and officially approved the appointment of a total of six coaching staff members, including Coach Moreno. This appointment marks the first time in the association's history that an open recruitment process was conducted in accordance with the regulations of the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee. The process involved rigorous procedures, including document evaluation, online interviews, and face-to-face meetings. Coach Moreno is the first Spanish-born head coach in the history of the South Korean national football team.

The basic contract period for Coach Moreno's coaching staff runs until November 27. He will temporarily lead the national team during a total of six A-match fixtures: two in September, two in October, and two in November.

However, it is understood that Coach Moreno's contract includes an extension option allowing him to lead the team through the Asian Cup scheduled for January 2027, subject to evaluation. Hyun Young-min Jeon Ryeok-gang-hwa (Chairman) explained the background of the appointment, stating: "Coach Moreno already possesses a high level of understanding of Korean football and has shown impressive dedication by proposing various tactical alternatives."

As a former professional player, Coach Moreno served as head coach Luis Enrique's senior assistant at AS Roma, FC Barcelona, and the Spanish national team, leveraging his exceptional data analysis skills. He was promoted to the official head coach of the Spanish national team in 2019, leading the squad to qualify for the Euro 2020 finals with an unbeaten record in nine matches (seven wins, two draws), earning recognition for his coaching abilities. However, following a conflict with Coach Enrique, he went solo and struggled on the club level thereafter.

The entire coaching staff supporting Coach Moreno consists of Spanish nationals. Eduardo Docampo, senior coach; Javier Magriña, analysis and methodology coach; Victor Bravo de Soto, tactical coach; Javier Chocarro, physical coach; and Nico Bosch, goalkeeping coach, have joined the team. They will reside in Cheonan and directly monitor K League matches.

The Moreno-led national team will make its debut in a friendly match against Ecuador on September 24 at Suwon World Cup Stadium. This will be followed by a fixture against Uruguay on September 28 at Seoul World Cup Stadium, Venezuela on October 2 at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium, and Uzbekistan on the 6th at Yongin Mir Stadium.

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*This content was translated by AI.