Mauricio Pochettino broke down in tears as he began his farewell as US national team boss, and admitted that he couldn’t turn down the ‘dream’ job of Manchester United head coach.
United confirmed that Pochettino has agreed a two-and-a-half-year contract to replace Michael Carrick, and will start work on Wednesday after staying on for a double-header against Haiti.
Flanked by US Soccer Federation bosses at the team’s headquarters in Georgia, an emotional Pochettino wiped away tears as he thanked the players and staff.
‘I haven’t prepared a speech, I’m talking with my heart,’ he said. ‘It’s difficult for me to talk now because I am a very emotional guy.
‘When these moments arrive, it is always tough. Normally it is the opposite – you have been sacked! You cry because you want to stay.
‘I think it was one of the most difficult decisions of our career, but you have to move forward.
Mauricio Pochettino broke down in tears as he began his farewell as US national team boss
Pochettino spoke at a USMNT press conference after his move to Man United was confirmed
‘Not too many opportunities can happen in your career with a side like Manchester United. That is difficult to turn down when it arrives.
‘In some part it’s a very sad decision, in another part we are professional and we are trying to make our dreams come true. We are excited for that step forward.’
The 54-year-old Argentine revealed that United first made contact on Sunday after a 4-4 draw in Carrick’s final game left the club in the relegation zone.
United are paying US Soccer more than £10million in compensation to buy Pochettino and his backroom staff out of their contracts, and have allowed him to stay in charge for two more matches.
‘I never said I wanted to go back in the Premier League,’ said the former Tottenham, Chelsea and Southampton boss, whose first game in charge of United will be against Liverpool at Anfield a week on Sunday.
‘All of this was so quick because we arrived here last Friday and on Sunday afternoon this type of situation started to appear. There was some contact. When things became bigger, they are very sensitive.
‘We were very transparent with the federation and they understand the situation. The decision between US Soccer and Man United to agree to continue for these two games will not change our commitment.
‘That decision was between the three parties but, of course if Man United agreed different terms, I need to respect that.’
Pochettino, who will oversee his side’s Concacaf Nations League quarter-final tie against Haiti over the next week, insisted it was the ‘most difficult decision’ to leave the USMNT
Meanwhile, Carrick issued a statement following his sacking on Thursday after 10 months in charge.
Posting on social media, he said: ‘I’ve had the immense privilege of leading Manchester United, the football club that I love.
‘There are very few who get to live that and feel it, and for that I’m incredibly grateful.
‘I want to say a big thank-you to the supporters. I must say, you are a special, rare breed.
‘I know we’ve not had the results lately, but you’ve shown me nothing but love and support in times when the easiest thing, and what most end up doing, would be to turn the other way.
‘That’s what makes you who you are. That’s why I fell in love with this club all those years ago.’
RELIVE our live blog with WILL PICKWORTH as Mauricio Pochettino spoke for the first time since taking the Manchester United job when he faced questions at a United States national team press conference on Friday.
