Ex-Spain coach Robert Moreno denies reports he used ChatGPT for match prep and signings at Russian club Sochi, calling claims “completely false”.
BARCELONA: Former Spain coach Robert Moreno has denied using artificial intelligence to prepare matches during his tenure at Russian club Sochi.
Reports in Russia had claimed Moreno heavily relied on ChatGPT for tactics and even to decide between potential player signings.
“I have never used ChatGPT or any AI to prepare matches, decide line-ups, or choose players. That is completely false,” Moreno wrote in an open letter to Spanish newspaper Marca.
The 48-year-old said he utilised technology in his role but insisted all sporting decisions were made by himself and his staff.
“My career in football began precisely through data and video analysis,” he continued.
Moreno explained that his coaching team used standard analysis tools like GPS and video databases.
He stated that technology helps process information faster but the final calls are always human.
The former coach attributed the AI reports to former Sochi executive Andrei Orlov, with whom he had disagreements.
“My departure was by mutual agreement at a time of inconsistent results,” added Moreno.
“To present it as being ‘fired for using ChatGPT’ simplifies something much more complex and is also untrue.”
Moreno left Sochi in September 2025 after a poor run of results.
He took temporary charge of the Spanish national team in 2019 after Luis Enrique resigned due to his daughter’s illness.
Spain rehired Luis Enrique later that year, with the coach accusing Moreno of disloyalty for wanting to stay in post for Euro 2020.
