Pochettino says Manchester United role was hard to turn down at US farewell press conference
Mauricio Pochettino admitted at a farewell press conference at US Soccer HQ outside Atlanta on Friday that leaving the United States men's national team to take the Manchester United job was "one of the most difficult decisions of my career" and that the Old Trafford offer was hard to refuse. Manchester United confirmed his appointment as Michael Carrick's successor hours earlier and the 54-year-old has agreed a two-and-a-half-year contract, taking charge on November 19 while remaining with the USMNT for two matches against Haiti.
Pochettino took charge of the United States in September 2024 and led the side to the last 16 of the home World Cup this summer; he had subsequently signed a four-year extension committing his future to US Soccer through 2030. Manchester United announced his arrival amid a managerial change following Carrick's dismissal on Thursday after a disappointing run of results, with the club described in the announcement as occupying a precarious position in the Premier League. His first match in charge of United is scheduled to be against Liverpool on November 22.
Visibly emotional during the press conference, Pochettino said: "It's difficult to talk now. I'm a very emotional guy. It's a very sad decision. It's one of the most difficult decisions of my career," and added, "But we are professionals and we are trying to make our dreams come true." Reporters noted his struggle to hold back tears as he addressed his departure publicly for the first time.
Describing how quickly events unfolded, Pochettino said: "All was so quick. Sunday afternoon, there started to be some contact. We were very transparent with US Soccer." He explained discussions with the federation continued until an agreement was reached and that he informed players and staff after that meeting; he said the players were "very supportive."
Pochettino paid tribute to his backroom staff and players, saying: "The staff and the players, I want to say thank you so much for the last two years. You made me feel really happy sharing an amazing project. It's difficult now for me to finish." He added that the shared project and relationships made the choice to depart a painful one for him and for those involved.
On the changes he felt the programme had achieved, Pochettino said: "We increased the federation and around the world too. I didn't prepare a speech; I am talking from the heart. We recovered our motivation and the capacity to dig deep," and he concluded that, despite progress, "Satisfaction is difficult in this business. You always want more and then you are a critic. I don't like to use satisfaction. In our mindset, it's trying to do better and act in the best way."
He confirmed he would complete the two scheduled matches against Haiti, arguing the decision to do so was rooted in personal and professional commitment: "Why? Because before we are professional, we are a person. The emotional link between us is to show the commitment and respect and the love, even if we take a decision that is not the best for one part," and added, "All of the games are important." He also said: "We are brave enough to go ahead because we are optimistic and very positive. We need to play tomorrow and the next game. We need to perform."
Pochettino declined to discuss his Manchester United plans in detail at the press conference, saying: "We'll have time next week to talk about the job at Manchester United. It's much better to talk now about US Soccer." His move to Old Trafford follows a managerial career in England that included spells at Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea, highlighted in the statement by his time at Tottenham when he led the club to the 2019 Champions League final, and by a league title won with Paris Saint-Germain in 2022. He will remain with the USMNT for the two matches against Haiti before taking charge at Manchester United on November 19, with his debut as United manager set for November 22 against Liverpool.
