FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. — Mauricio Pochettino made no secret of his desire eventually to return to the Premier League, but Friday, with that hope now a reality, the outgoing U.S. men’s national team coach tried to explain why the time was right to leave.
The news of Pochettino’s hiring at Manchester United became official Friday morning, with the Argentine finishing up his tenure with the USMNT over the next week as the team faces Haiti in the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals.
His departure comes just months after he signed a contract extension in August to remain with the program through the 2030 World Cup.
Naturally, that raised the question: Why would Pochettino sign a new deal with U.S. Soccer in the first place if he wanted to coach in the Premier League again?
“I think they know that it’s not too many opportunities that happen in your career like a side [like] Manchester United,” he said. “Of course, when that arrives, it’s difficult to turn down that situation.”
Pochettino said the contract was built with protections for the federation, as well as for himself, in case either side felt there was an opportunity or need to move on.
His contract included a $10 million buyout clause that was activated by United.
“I think we were very [committed] and we never [thought] that that happened too quick,” he said. “But it was for both parties, also to help the federation. Just in case that didn’t work, our new commitment for four years, to give the possibility not to suffer too much.”
But an emotional Pochettino called the decision to leave the U.S. men’s national program a “tough” one Friday, and at times wiped away tears from his eyes.
He joked that it is usually a coach who has just been fired that is crying “because you want to stay.”
Pochettino didn’t address his future with Manchester United, but did express hope that he left an “impact” on the “human being” when it comes to his time with the USMNT.
“Impact I think for us is to be a good partner. Trying to, through the vision of the federation, in that case, is to add our quality,” he said. “Our knowledge about the game, about how we see the things and to be part of this family. [I] hope in Manchester United [that] happens the same.”
