South Korea appoint Moreno as interim coach after World Cup exit

SEOUL — South Korea have appointed former Spain coach Robert Moreno as interim manager until November as the Korea Football Association (KFA) continues its search for a permanent successor to Hong Myung-bo.

The 48-year-old Spaniard will oversee the national team’s next six matches after Hong stepped down in June following South Korea’s group-stage exit at the World Cup.

Moreno’s initial contract runs until Nov. 27, the KFA said after its board approved his appointment at a meeting in Cheonan. The federation said it was the first time it had selected a national team coach through an open recruitment process.

“Coach Moreno already has a deep understanding of Korean football and impresses with enthusiasm, proposing various tactical alternatives,” Power Enhancement Committee Chairman Hyun Young-min said.

Moreno could remain in charge for the Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, which begins in January, depending on South Korea’s performances during his interim tenure, the KFA added.

South Korea will face Ecuador and Uruguay in September before hosting Venezuela and Uzbekistan in October. The KFA is also seeking two additional opponents for the November international window.

Moreno managed Spain in 2019 while Luis Enrique was on leave and subsequently coached AS Monaco, Granada and Russian club Sochi.

Hong’s departure followed criticism of his appointment after the KFA ended a lengthy search for a foreign coach and selected him after a brief meeting.