Former Spanish national team manager Robert Moreno has officially broken his silence regarding bizarre rumors surrounding his time in Russia. On Monday, Moreno published an open letter via the Spanish newspaper Marca. In the letter, he vehemently denied reports that he relied on the artificial intelligence tool ChatGPT to manage the Russian top-flight club Sochi.
The 48-year-old coach departed Sochi in September 2025 following a string of poor results. Recently, allegations emerged suggesting he used AI to determine everything from starting lineups to high-stakes player signings. Moreno has now moved to clear his name.
“Completely False”: Moreno Defends His Process
In a direct response to reports circulating in the Russian media, Moreno clarified his stance on technology. While he embraces modern tools, he insists he has never handed over “the keys to the locker room” to an AI chatbot.
“I have never used ChatGPT or any AI to prepare matches, decide line-ups, or choose players. That is completely false,” Moreno asserted in his letter.
Furthermore, Moreno emphasized that his entire career has been built on a foundation of professional analysis rather than automated shortcuts. He argued that his specialization in data and video analysis is precisely what set him apart during his early days in the coaching world.
The Real Tech Stack of a Professional Coach
To provide clarity on how he prepares for a matchday, Moreno listed the professional analytical tools his staff actually utilizes. Unlike a general-purpose AI, these platforms are specifically designed for elite sports performance.
His professional toolkit includes:
- GPS Tracking: Used to monitor player physical output and fitness levels.
- Wyscout: A comprehensive football analytics database for scouting and match review.
- Video Analysis: Specialized software for tactical breakdowns.
- Scouting Platforms: Targeted tools used to evaluate potential new signings.
“Technology helps process information faster,” Moreno explained, “but the sporting decisions are always made by the coaching staff.”
The Source of the “AI Scandal”
According to Moreno, the narrative that he was “fired for using ChatGPT” is a gross oversimplification. He pointed to former club executive Andrei Orlov—with whom he had professional differences—as the likely source of these claims.
Moreno clarified that his exit from Sochi was actually a mutual agreement. The decision stemmed from a combination of inconsistent performance on the pitch and disagreements regarding the club’s long-term sporting strategy.
A Career Built on High-Stakes Pressure
This is not the first time Moreno has faced professional turbulence. Before his stint in Russia, he managed Monaco and Granada. Most notably, he served as the head coach of the Spanish National Team.
His time with Spain was marked by a high-profile fallout with Luis Enrique. Moreno originally stepped in as a temporary replacement in 2019 when Enrique resigned due to his daughter’s illness. However, when Enrique returned later that year, he accused Moreno of being “disloyal” for wanting to remain in charge through Euro 2020. This led to a permanent rift between the two men.
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