[Incheon Airport Site] "I've wanted to lead the South Korean national team for several years" Interim Coach Moreno Arrives: "Will Make the National Team a Source of Pride" (Q&A)

*This content was translated by AI.

Robert Moreno (49, Spain), who has arrived in Korea for the first time since taking office as interim head coach of the South Korean national football team, stated, "I have wanted to lead the South Korean national team for several years," and added, "Leading the South Korean national team will be a great honor for anyone."

Coach Moreno said upon meeting domestic reporters immediately after arriving at Incheon International Airport on the 13th, "I came with a sense of responsibility. I am very happy to lead the South Korean national team."

Coach Moreno took charge as an interim coach to fill the void left by former coach Hong Myung-bo, who resigned shortly after the South Korean national team's elimination in the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

His contract runs until November 27, during which he will lead only six A-match games: four consecutive friendlies in September and October, and two more in November. Following evaluations, he may also coach through the AFC Asian Cup in January next year.

Coach Moreno will lead the South Korean national team alongside five other Spanish nationals serving as referees. Coach Jo Yong-hyung and physical coach Lee Jae-hong have also joined Moreno's staff.

When asked about his motivation for applying to become the South Korean national team coach, Coach Moreno emphasized that he had long harbored a desire to lead the team, stating, "There was no reason not to apply."

He continued, "(The last World Cup) was a very sad event for everyone. We will never forget it," while adding, "We must look ahead and keep moving forward. I will do my best so that the national team can become a source of greater pride."

Regarding his interest in becoming the permanent head coach, Moreno first drew a line by saying he would focus entirely on his interim role. He added, "My goal is to concentrate on the tasks given to me," and noted, "I do not plan to focus on anything else."

Coach Moreno further emphasized, "I will continue to work hard to make the national team a better team. I will focus on making South Korean citizens proud of their national team."

On the 14th, Coach Moreno will hold a press conference at Korea Football Park in Cheonan, Chungcheongnam-do, where he will also announce the squad for the four consecutive A-match games scheduled for September and October.

Below is the Q&A from Coach Moreno's interview upon his arrival.

- What are your impressions upon arriving in Korea?

"I came with a sense of responsibility. I am very happy to lead the South Korean national team."

- What was your motivation for applying to become the South Korean national team coach? What are your general thoughts on Korean football?

"There was no reason not to apply. I have wanted to be the head coach of the South Korean national team for several years. I believe becoming the head coach of the South Korean national team will be a great honor for anyone."

- How did you prepare while waiting for your employment visa?

"I analyzed how the national team played every day, and it also became time to continue studying Korean culture."

- (In Korea's case) the last World Cup ended in great disappointment. Did you discover any potential within that?

"I admit it was a very sad event. However, we must look ahead and keep moving forward. I will never forget what happened. I will do my best so that the national team can become a source of greater pride."

- What are your goals for the six games you will coach as interim head coach?

"I will continue to work hard to make the national team a better team. I will focus on uniting everyone so that South Korean citizens can feel even more proud of their national team."

- How strong is your desire to become the permanent head coach?

"My goal is to concentrate on the tasks given to me. There are not many games left ahead. I do not plan to focus on anything else."

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*This content was translated by AI.