Speaking to the media on Friday, an emotional Pochettino reflected on his two-year tenure in the United States, which included a run to the last 16 of this year’s World Cup. He described the transition as one of the most challenging moments of his professional life, noting that the decision to leave was made even harder by his genuine belief in the project he had been building with the national squad.
A Rapid Transition to Old Trafford
The managerial change follows the sacking of Michael Carrick at Manchester United. According to Pochettino, the negotiations moved at a remarkable pace, beginning just days after his return to the United States last Friday. By Sunday, the situation had escalated, leading to formal discussions between the two federations and the club.
Despite the sudden nature of the move, Pochettino emphasized that he remains fully committed to his final duties with the US team. He will oversee the upcoming CONCACAF Nations League fixtures against Haiti this Saturday and next Tuesday before officially transitioning to his new role in England. He noted that the players were supportive when he informed them of the news during a meeting on Thursday.
Balancing Professional Ambition and Commitment
Addressing the timing of his departure, Pochettino clarified that he had not been actively seeking a return to the Premier League when he signed his extension with
The former Tottenham, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain manager expressed deep gratitude toward his staff and players, struggling to contain his emotions while discussing the end of his time in the country. While he characterized the departure as a sad decision, he maintained that his focus remains on professionalism and pursuing his career ambitions at the highest level of club football.
