Pochettino breaks down in tears hours after landing Man Utd job

Mauricio Pochettino broke down in tears as he discussed leaving the United States national team, hours after Manchester United confirmed his appointment.

The Argentine struggled with his emotions during Friday’s press conference, despite still having two matches against Haiti to oversee before his departure.

Pochettino: ‘The most difficult decision’

“It’s difficult to talk now. I’m a very emotional guy,” Pochettino said. “It’s a very sad decision, it’s the most difficult decision of my career. But we are professional and we are trying to make our dreams come true.”

He then turned to the players and staff he is leaving behind. “You made me feel really happy sharing an amazing project,” he said. “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,” he added.

He even managed a wry line about the situation. “Normally it’s the opposite. You’re sacked and you cry because you want to stay,” he said. “For this case it’s the opposite.”

Leaving months after signing a new contract

Pochettino signed a new deal with US Soccer in August, running to the 2030 World Cup, after leading the US to the round of 16 at their home tournament in the summer.

He admitted the timing was far from perfect. “It’s never an ideal situation when this type of thing happens but, like in life, football goes quick,” he said, as CNN reported.

He was keen to keep the focus on the US for now. “I think we will have time next week to talk about the job at Manchester United,” he said. “Now I think it is better to talk about US Soccer and the national team.”

He said he had told the players and staff on Thursday, once the deal was agreed.

“We were very transparent with the federation, and yesterday when things were positive in the way the agreement was, we had a meeting and I communicated to the players and staff,” he said. “I wanted to thank them because they were very supportive and understood the situation.”

What happens next

Pochettino replaces Michael Carrick, who thanked the fans in a statement after his sacking. He inherits a side sitting in the relegation zone, on a two-and-a-half-year contract, and according to RTÉ becomes United’s eighth permanent boss since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.

First, he takes charge of the US against Haiti on Saturday 14 and Tuesday 17 November. He then starts at United on Wednesday 18 November, as we reported earlier this week.

There is no gentle introduction. Four days after he walks in, United go to Anfield for Liverpool vs Man Utd on Sunday 22 November.

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