Mauricio Pochettino fought back tears as he spoke about leaving the U.S. Men’s National Team to become Manchester United’s new manager. The announcement on Friday confirmed a move that had been brewing for days, but the emotional toll was clear during his farewell press conference in Fayetteville, Georgia.
“It’s difficult now for me to talk,” Pochettino said, pausing repeatedly to wipe his eyes. “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.”
Pochettino’s departure ends a two-year tenure with the USMNT, where he signed a four-year contract just over 100 days ago. The Argentine coach described the decision to leave as one of the hardest he has faced in his career. “Normally, it’s the opposite! You’re sick, and you cry because you want to stay, and you are sacked,” he said with a laugh. This time, the choice was his.
The shift came quickly. Pochettino arrived in Atlanta the previous Friday for USMNT camp, and by Sunday the rumors linking him to Manchester United had surfaced. The Premier League club was seeking a replacement for Michael Carrick, and Pochettino emerged as their top candidate. Talks moved swiftly, and by Friday morning a two-and-a-half-year contract at Old Trafford was official.
“Not too many opportunities can happen in your career with a side like Manchester United,” Pochettino said. “And, of course, when that arrives, it’s difficult to turn down that situation.” He acknowledged the sadness of leaving but framed it as a professional step. “It’s a decision that, in some parts, is a very sad decision. In another part, it’s that we are professionals, and we also need to try to find the next step to make your dreams come true.”
The emotional weight of his departure was evident as he thanked U.S. Soccer leadership personally. Both CEO JT Batson and President Cindy Parlow Cone were present, offering support as Pochettino struggled to maintain composure. “You never lied to us,” he said, fighting back tears. “You put the human being in front of everything, and that is why that is really difficult decision, but we need to move forward.”
Pochettino praised the relationship he built with the federation and players. “The most valuable feeling that we will get is not one victory or that we helped in the program. It is that relationship that was real… I think to keep that relationship and all the memories that we shared, I think it was amazing.”
Before departing, Pochettino held a meeting with his players and staff to communicate the news directly. “I wanted to say ‘Thank you’ because they were very supportive and they understand the situation,” he said. “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.”
While Pochettino has two games left in charge of the USMNT, his focus will soon shift to his role at Manchester United. The club confirmed the appointment after a week filled with speculation, ending months of uncertainty surrounding their managerial position.
JT Batson outlined the federation’s plans to begin the search for Pochettino’s successor, while Parlow Cone spoke about her optimism for the future. The transition marks the end of Pochettino’s American adventure but opens a new chapter at one of world football’s most historic clubs.
According to Yahoo Sports.
