Mauricio Pochettino’s farewell to the U.S. Men’s National Team was marked by visible emotion as he prepared to take over as Manchester United manager. At a press conference in Fayetteville, Georgia, the Argentine coach fought back tears as he reflected on leaving the USMNT after two years.
“It’s difficult now for me to talk,” Pochettino said, struggling to regain composure. “I think I am a very emotional guy… We care. We really care, and we are always going to care about the federation, the players and all the people that are here.” His connection to the team and the federation was clear as U.S. Soccer officials offered support during the moment.
The confirmation of Pochettino’s appointment at Old Trafford came on Friday morning, ending a week filled with speculation. The announcement made official what many had expected: Pochettino would leave the USMNT to replace Michael Carrick as Manchester United manager on a two-and-a-half-year contract.
Despite the opportunity at Manchester United, Pochettino said the decision was not easy. “When you arrive at this type of moment, it’s always a tough, tough moment because these are not easy decisions… We learn a lot from you, from all of you, from this country, and from its amazing people,” he said. “This was one of the most difficult decisions. Thank you.”
Pochettino detailed the unusual circumstances of his departure. “Normally, it’s the opposite! You’re sick, and you cry because you want to stay, and you are sacked,” he added with a laugh. His move was his choice, made quickly after arriving in Atlanta the previous Friday. By Sunday, Manchester United had begun contact, and by Friday, the deal was done.
He made it clear that he had fully intended to complete the four-year contract he signed just over 100 days ago with U.S. Soccer. “Not too many opportunities can happen in your career with a side like Manchester United,” he said. “Of course, when that arrives, it’s difficult to turn down that situation.” He described the decision as “in some parts, a very sad decision,” but one that professionals must face to pursue new goals.
Pochettino shared how he communicated the news to his players and staff. “We had a meeting, and I communicated to the players and the whole staff,” he said. “I wanted to say ‘Thank you’ because they were very supportive and they understand the situation. They know us and how committed we are in the next two games with the decision in between the federation and Manchester United to agree that we continue with our job in the camp.”
He plans to focus on the USMNT’s upcoming fixtures before fully transitioning to Manchester United. “I think we will have time next week to talk about the job at Manchester United, but now I think it’s much better to talk about us, about U.S. Soccer and, of course, the U.S. Men’s National Team,” he said.
Throughout the press conference, Pochettino expressed deep gratitude toward U.S. Soccer leadership. He addressed CEO JT Batson and President Cindy Parlow Cone directly, thanking them for their honesty and support. “You never lied to us,” he said, his voice breaking. “You put the human being in front of everything, and that is why that is really difficult decision, but we need to move forward… I think you make me feel really, really happy doing my job, sharing an amazing project, being part of this family.”
Batson and Parlow Cone also spoke at the event, outlining the federation’s next steps in the search for a new head coach and expressing optimism about the future. The emotional moments underscored the significance of Pochettino’s departure after two years shaping the USMNT.
With two games remaining and a few days left in charge, Pochettino’s American chapter is drawing to a close as he prepares to lead one of the world’s most famous clubs. The move ends a brief but memorable tenure in U.S. Soccer that clearly meant more to the coach than the headlines suggested.
According to Yahoo Sports.
