Russian Premier League manager sacked for dependence on ChatGPT

Martin Macdonald

• Updated: 27 Jan 2026 03:40 CST
• 4 min read

Nieuws

When Robert Moreno was sacked as FC Sochi manager in September, the party line was that he was dismissed for poor performances on the pitch as the club had picked up just one point in seven matches since being promoted to the Russian Premier League.

However, it has since been confirmed by club officials that Moreno was sent packing due to an over-reliance on Artificial Intelligence tool, ChatGPT.

The Spaniard would put prompts into the tool for advice on tactics, training logistics and even scouting.

On one occasion, Moreno created a new training programme that would have seen his players kept awake for 28 hours straight - as per the advice from ChatGPT.

⚽️ In Russia, a football coach relied heavily on ChatGPT to prepare his team — and the club got relegated to a lower division

According to statements from the club's former deputy general direct, FC Sochi head coach Robert Moreno actively used AI in his work with the players.… pic.twitter.com/BCC0F7QRf5

— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) January 23, 2026

Former sporting director Andrei Orlov recalled the moment to Sports Russia: "When we were preparing the trip to Khabarovsk, Robert said 'I already have everything planned. I entered all the parameters of the trip in ChatGPT'.

"I looked at the presentation and saw that the players could not sleep for 28 hours. I asked: 'Robert, this is all very beautiful, but when are the boys going to sleep?'

"The players didn't understand why we had to wake up at five in the morning to train at seven."

Moreno would also take information from tools such as WyScout and feed it into ChatGPT for advice on players to sign.

This happened when Sochi were trying to decide on one of three players - Vladimir Pisarsky, Pavel Meleshin or Artur Shushenachev.

"We were looking for a spearhead, choosing between Vladimir Pisarsky, Pavel Meleshin and Artur Shushenachev. Moreno entered the data of the three players in ChatGPT and Shushenachev emerged as the best," said Orlov.

"An additional tool, why not? But for Moreno, GPT ended up becoming one of his main tools. In the end, the Russian core of the squad was very unhappy with Moreno and the foreigners also no longer trusted his ideas. He didn't show any empathy for the deputies and players and people felt it."

Shushenachev was brought in on loan but didn't score in 10 games.

Moreno's goodbye message

Following his dismissal, Moreno posted on Instagram:

"Every chapter has a beginning and an end, and today my time as head coach of FC Sochi has come to an end.

"In elite football, honesty and commitment to the club must come above all else. For that reason, after an open and sincere conversation, we have mutually agreed that the best decision for the team is to go our separate ways. I firmly believe this is the most responsible step to help the club achieve its objectives this season. I have waived a large part of my contract so that the institution has greater flexibility to make new signings.

"After one year and eight months, I have nothing but words of gratitude. To the players for their dedication, to the coaching staff and every member of the club for their professionalism and daily support. And, of course, to the fans. I felt your support in every match, especially in difficult moments, and that is something I will never forget.

"I leave with a clear conscience, knowing I gave everything for these colors, and I wish FC Sochi the greatest success in the future."

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available in the Apple App Store. Download here:

•App Store