Roberto Moreno, the interim coach of the South Korean national football team, who suffered a 1-4 defeat by a three-goal margin in a friendly match against Uruguay on the 28th, expressed sincere apologies to fans during an official post-match press conference.
Upon entering the post-match press conference, Coach Moreno, when asked for a general assessment of the game, first addressed “apologies to the fans” rather than analyzing the victory or defeat. Moreno began, “First and foremost, and most painfully, I would like to apologize to our fans.” He continued, “I do not believe that the fans, who filled the stands and cheered throughout the match, should have to accept such a result and process of the game.”
On this day, 48,024 spectators visited Sangam Stadium, but the national team collapsed in the first half, conceding three consecutive goals by continuously allowing space behind the defense.
Coach Moreno analyzed that there was a tactical failure in the first half. He said, “In the first half, we had a way we wanted to play, but the central space became excessively empty. We tried to advance our fullbacks high to sit down the opposing wingers and develop the ball cleanly through the center, but it did not work properly.” He added, “The opponent took risks and pressed fiercely, and since many of our players were crowded in front of the ball, the risk was high when we lost possession. Ultimately, the goals conceded came from those counterattacks.”
However, Coach Moreno, who made four substitutions at the start of the second half, continued to attack until the end of the match. He said, “Looking only at the result of the second half, it was 1-1, and the style of football we aim for was more evident.” He added, “If the scoring opportunities in the early stages of the second half had resulted in goals, we could have narrowed the score gap further. I wanted to gift the fans a comeback drama, like the ‘miracle of turning a 0-3 deficit into a 4-3 victory’ that I experienced during my coaching career,” expressing deep regret.
He also stated his stance on the possibility of future tactical changes. Coach Moreno said, “I am not a coach who is bound by specific formations or systems. Tactics can be flexible depending on the opponent’s strength and the situation of the game.” However, he emphasized, “While I am not strict about formation structures, we must firmly maintain the football philosophy and principles we possess. Changing the philosophy itself every time we face difficulties would have a negative impact on the players.”
Regarding Lee Kang-in, who struggled with unstable build-up play in the first half, Coach Moreno said, “When the game is not going well, it is not the problem of a single player. The entire team did not function like a cogwheel, but our players did their best without giving up until the final moment.” He added, “As a coach, I will think more deeply and help ensure that the players’ strengths are fully demonstrated on the pitch.”
Coach Moreno, who suffered a 1-4 defeat following a 3-0 victory in his debut match against Ecuador, added, “Just as we were not the best team in the world when we won 3-0 a few days ago, today’s defeat does not mean everything is the worst. Such things happen in football.” He continued, “There is a match against Venezuela in just three days. I will prepare with a much greater sense of responsibility and determination than the previous game to bring smiles back to our fans.”
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