Pochettino breaks down in tears as he leaves USA, admits Man Utd was hard to turn down

Mauricio Pochettino fought back tears as he announced his retirement from the United States men’s national team, admitting that leaving his job at Manchester United was one of the hardest decisions of his career. However, the Argentine insisted that the opportunity to manage one of football’s biggest clubs was simply too hard to turn down.

Pochettino was visibly emotional during his farewell press conference on Friday, just hours later Manchester United have confirmed his appointment as Michael Carrick’s successor. The 54-year-old has agreed a two-and-a-half-year deal at Old Trafford and will officially take charge on November 19.

The former Tottenham and Chelsea manager will first oversee the United States’ two upcoming matches against Haiti before heading to England. His first game in charge of United is scheduled for November 22 against Liverpool.

“It’s difficult to speak now. I’m a very emotional guy. It’s a very sad decision. It’s one of the hardest decisions of my career,” Pochettino said.

“But we are professionals and we are trying to make our dreams come true.”

Outgoing USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino, visibly emotional as he publicly expresses his departure for the first time here at US Soccer headquarters outside Atlanta. More to come in a bit. Pablo Iglesias Maurer (@MLSist) November 13, 2026

The Argentine admitted the chance to manage Manchester United was not something he could turn down, despite recently signing a new four-year contract with US Soccer.

“It’s obvious. I never said I wanted to come back, but they know that in your career you don’t get as many opportunities as Manchester United. When it comes, it’s hard to turn down,” he said.

Pochettino also revealed how quickly the situation developed, with the first contact coming just days before the announcement.

“Everything was so fast. On Sunday afternoon, there was some contact. We were very transparent with US Soccer,” he said.

He added that negotiations with the federation continued until an agreement was reached, after which he informed the players and staff.

“We spoke to the federation and yesterday when the agreement was reached, we had a meeting and I communicated with the players. They have been very supportive. US Soccer and Manchester United have agreed that we will continue and that will not change our commitment.”

POCHETTINO THANKS USA PLAYERS AND STAFF

Pochettino took charge of the United States in September 2024 and guided the team to the last 16 of the domestic World Cup this summer. He subsequently signed a four-year contract extension and committed to the national team until 2030.

The decision to leave was made more difficult by the relationship he had built with the players and staff during his time with the team. Pochettino was emotional as he thanked them for their support and contribution to the project.

“Staff and players, I want to thank you so much for the last two years. You have made me really happy by sharing an amazing project. Now it’s hard for me to stop,” he said.

“We were very excited to share a project that we really believe in and develop together. It makes the decision harder. It’s a sad decision, but we are professionals and we have to try to find the next step to make your dreams come true.”

Emotional Mauricio Pochettino on ‘difficult decision’ to leave USMNT. Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) November 13, 2026

He also praised the work done during his tenure at the federation, saying the team had helped raise standards and restore belief.

“We have increased the federation and also worldwide. I did not prepare a speech, I speak from the heart. We have regained motivation and the ability to dig deep,” said Pochettino.

“I want to recognize the value from us and from me. Thank you very much. You respect your work. You never lie to us. It’s a difficult decision, but we have to move forward.”

Pochettino was also asked if he was happy with what he had achieved with US Soccer. However, the Argentine was reluctant to describe his work in those terms.

“Complacency is difficult in this business. You always want more and then you’re critical. I don’t like to use complacency. In our mindset, it’s about doing better and doing the best we can,” he said.

POCHETTINO TO STAY FOR TWO USA GAMES

Despite confirming his departure, Pochettino will remain in charge of the United States’ two games against Haiti. He explained that completing these matches was important to honoring the commitment he had made to the players and staff.

“Why? Because before we’re professionals, we’re human. The emotional bond between us is to show commitment and respect and love, even if we make a decision that’s not best for one side,” he said.

“We have the respect of the players and the staff and they understand the situation. It’s Manchester United and the federation has agreed different terms. All the games are important.”

The Argentine also acknowledged that the situation was not ideal, but insisted that he will focus on the team’s performances.

“We are brave enough to go forward because we are optimistic and very positive. We have to play tomorrow and the next game. We have to perform.”

He also had a message for American supporters who might be disappointed by his decision to leave.

“We want to thank the fans for their support and it’s always a difficult moment. It’s not an easy decision. Normally it’s the other way around. Normally you cry because you want to stay, but the opposite is true. We’re excited to step forward, but it’s a moment for determination because we care and we always will,” he said.

Pochettino even joked about the unusual circumstances of his emotional farewell.

“Normally it’s the other way around. You’re fired and you’re crying because you want to stay. In this case it’s the other way around. It’s a really hard decision, but at the same time I’m excited about the move,” he said.

CRISIS IN MANCHESTER UNITED

Pochettino has inherited a Manchester United squad in desperate need of a turnaround. Carrick was sacked on Thursday after disappointing resultswith the club languishing in the Premier League relegation zone.

The Argentine becomes the latest manager tasked with restoring United to their former glory following the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013.

He brings considerable Premier League experience, having previously managed Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea. His best spell in English football came at Tottenham, where he built a team capable of challenging for the Premier League title and led the club to the 2019 Champions League final.

He also won the French league title with Paris Saint-Germain in 2022, although he is yet to win a major trophy in English football.

Pochettino was reluctant to discuss his new job in detail during his farewell press conference, insisting he wanted to give the United States the attention it deserved before moving on.

“Next week we will have time to talk about the job at Manchester United. Much better to talk about US Soccer now,” he said.

He now has two more games with the United States in charge before starting a new chapter at Old Trafford, where he will be challenged to revive Manchester United.

– The end