Pochettino says leaving US team for Man United was difficult

Mauricio Pochettino said on November 13 that leaving the United States national team to become Manchester United manager was one of the most difficult decisions of his career, hours after the English club announced his appointment following Michael Carrick’s dismissal.

Pochettino spoke at a US team press conference and said he was grateful to the players, staff and federation for their work together. He described the departure as difficult because he and the team had believed in the project, while saying the Manchester United opportunity was one he could not turn down.

He said he would remain in charge for the United States’ two matches against Haiti, scheduled for Saturday and the following Tuesday, before beginning work at United. Manchester United and US Soccer agreed that he and his staff would be released after their national-team responsibilities ended.

Pochettino said discussions about the move developed quickly. He told players and staff after an agreement was reached between the clubs and said they were supportive. He also said the decision to stay for the Haiti fixtures reflected his respect for the team and commitment to the program.

US Soccer president Cindy Parlow...