"I laid the foundations and I leave with a clear conscience": Pochettino reveals the secret behind his sudden departure from the United States
With emotional words and tears he could not hide, Mauricio Pochettino bid farewell to the United States national team, announcing the start of a new chapter in his coaching career, after Manchester United announced today, Friday, his appointment as the team's new manager, thereby ending two years of work with the United States.
Walking away was never going to be easy for the Argentine, who will take charge of the United States for two final matches against Haiti in the CONCACAF Nations League quarter-finals on 14 and 18 November. Then he packs his bags and heads to England to manage one of the biggest clubs in the world.
Pochettino faced the media before those two decisive games to explain his decision, say goodbye to the United States supporters and thank them for their backing over the past two years. The press conference, broadcast by Sky Sport, was marked by honesty and emotion.
"I would like to thank the fans for their support," Pochettino said, words that captured the emotional weight of the moment. "It has been a difficult time, and the decision was not easy, quite the opposite."
He added: "It is extremely complicated, but at the same time, I am excited about this new step. Now I am focused on the next match because it is important for the federation. Football evolves very quickly, and we have to move forward, but I will always cherish the memories we shared. A lot has happened over these two years. You will always remain in my heart. It is hard to find people as transparent as you. The federation is in safe hands."
The Argentine also spelled out the details of his exit, confirming the players and his staff knew the situation from the start and that transparency defined the whole period: "We have always been transparent and discussed everything. Yesterday, when the situation began to improve, we held a meeting with the players and the technical staff, and everyone understood the decision."
He continued: "The agreement between Manchester United and the United States allowed us to reach a solution, given the importance of the next two matches."
Away from the language of numbers and results, Pochettino reflected on the human bond he had forged with the squad. "Before we are professionals, we are human beings," he said, visibly moved. "The emotional bond we have built over the past two years is the best proof of mutual affection and respect. It has been an honour for me to be here and represent this team. Now we have to focus on the next two matches. It is a natural end to our relationship."
The former Espanyol, Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain boss leaves with a clear conscience. He has laid the foundations for the future of the United States, he insists, and the team has the quality to compete at the highest level: "We have a good foundation to continue growing."
He went on: "We have players of a good level, combining experience and youth, and they have the capacity to develop significantly. We have laid the necessary foundations to compete, as we showed at the last World Cup. We have the basic ingredients, and now we have to support the players."
His philosophy, he explained, rests not on tactical plans alone but on building a united team spirit, something he hopes to carry into his new job in England: "The secret of a positive impact lies in the human side. You have to be firm when necessary, but you also have to be a good human being. I hope that will be the case at Manchester United."
True to his candid nature, Pochettino admitted he was not entirely satisfied with his work but stressed that a chance to coach Manchester United does not come twice: "When you are offered an opportunity like the one at Manchester United, you cannot turn it down."
The Haiti matches now loom. United supporters wait for their new manager at Old Trafford, hoping Pochettino can restore the club to its natural place among Europe's elite after years of searching for stability and identity.
