Mauricio Pochettino became emotional during a heartfelt press conference as he prepared to leave his role with the USA national team, addressing supporters and explaining why he could not turn down the opportunity to manage Manchester United.
Confirmed as the next manager of the Red Devils in a statement on Friday morning, Pochettino faced the media in a pre-arranged press conference ahead of the USMNT's upcoming CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final fixtures against Haiti.
Visibly emotional, the Argentine spoke candidly about managing an "amazing country" since his appointment in 2024, but acknowledged that "a club the size of Manchester United" was "difficult to turn down".
Pochettino also described the decision for him and his coaching staff as "one of the most difficult decisions in our careers", before explaining the importance of remaining in charge for the USA's two matches against Haiti before officially beginning work at United on November 18.
Amid tears, thank-yous and further explanations about his move to Manchester, Pochettino made clear just how difficult it was to leave the USA behind.
But with a new chapter at Old Trafford approaching, let's take a closer look at what he had to say during his emotional farewell press conference.
Pochettino's farewell to the USA
Addressing his imminent departure, officially announced just hours earlier by Manchester United and the USMNT, Pochettino reflected on his time in charge, thanking his players, coaching staff and supporters for their contribution to what he described as an "amazing project".
“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.
“We were very excited to share a project which we really believe in and are evolving together, it makes the decision harder.
“It’s a sad decision but we are professionals, and we need to try to find the next step to make your dreams come true.
“We want to thank the fans for their support and it’s always a tough moment.”
Guiding the nation into the 2026 World Cup on home soil, Pochettino led the USA to the top of their group for only the third time in their history, before reaching the last 16. Despite a 4-1 defeat to Belgium ending their campaign, the tournament marked a significant step forward for American football.
While his departure brings an end to his time with the national team, Pochettino leaves the USA with strong foundations to build on. Having spoken so warmly about the "amazing project", he will hope his work can help drive the country's continued progress on the pitch and further raise the profile of football across the States.
Why Pochettino chose Manchester United
With many questioning Pochettino's reasons for accepting the Manchester United role, the Argentine offered a straightforward explanation during his farewell press conference with the USA.
United triggered a release clause in his contract to secure his services following Michael Carrick's departure, with the former Tottenham, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain manager admitting the opportunity was simply too good to turn down.
“There are not too many opportunities in your career the size of Manchester United. When it arrives, it’s difficult to turn down,” he explained, highlighting the rare nature of the move.
Pochettino also revealed that initial contact from United came on Sunday afternoon, with discussions developing quickly. He insisted he had been transparent with US Soccer throughout the process and that both the players and staff understood his decision.
However, he was keen to stress that his immediate focus remained on the USA's upcoming Nations League fixtures against Haiti, rather than his new role at Old Trafford.
“We’ll have time next week to talk about the job at Manchester United. It’s much better to talk now about US Soccer.”
The USA face Haiti twice during the international break, with the first leg taking place in Miami on Saturday, November 14, before the return fixture in Cincinnati on Tuesday, November 17.
Pochettino will begin his new role at Manchester United on November 18, leaving him just four days to prepare his 18th placed side for a difficult Premier League trip to Anfield to face Liverpool on November 22.
