Mauricio Pochettino says he leaves the United States national team with a clear conscience after Manchester United appointed him as their new manager on Friday.
The Argentine coach will take charge of the team for the final two matches of his two-year spell, against Haiti in the Concacaf Nations League quarter-finals on 14 and 18 November, before moving to England to begin work at one of the world’s biggest clubs.
Pochettino, who was visibly emotional as he addressed the media, thanked supporters for their backing and explained the difficulty of his decision.
“I would like to thank the fans for their support. It has been a difficult time and the decision was not easy – quite the opposite,” he said at a news conference reported by Sky Sports.
“It is very complicated, but at the same time I am excited about this new step. Now I am focused on the next match because it is important for the federation.
“Football develops very quickly and we have to move forward, but I will always cherish the memories we shared. So much has happened over these two years. You will always remain in my heart. It is difficult to find people as transparent as you. The federation is in safe hands.”
Pochettino said the players and coaching staff had been aware of the situation from the outset, with discussions held openly throughout the process.
“We have always been transparent and discussed everything,” he said. “Yesterday, when the situation started to improve, we had a meeting with the players and coaching staff, and everyone understood the decision.”
He added that an agreement between Manchester United and the United States had allowed him to remain in charge for the two important matches against Haiti.
“Before we are professionals, we are human beings,” Pochettino said. “The emotional bond we have built over the past two years is the clearest proof of the affection and mutual respect between us.
“It has been an honour to be here and represent this national team. Now we have to focus on the next two matches. This is a natural end to our relationship.”
The former Espanyol, Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain manager believes he is leaving behind a strong platform for the United States to build on.
“We have a good foundation to continue growing,” he said. “We have good players who combine experience and youth, and they have great potential to develop.
“We have laid the foundations needed to compete, as we showed at the last World Cup. We have the essential ingredients and now we must support the players.”
Pochettino also said his approach was based on more than tactics, with team spirit and personal relationships central to his management style.
“The secret to having a positive impact lies in the human side,” he said. “You must be firm when necessary, but you also have to be a good person. I hope it will be the same at Manchester United.”
Although he admitted he had not been completely satisfied with his own performance, Pochettino said the chance to manage Manchester United was one he could not reject.
“When you are offered an opportunity like the one at Manchester United, you cannot turn it down,” he said.
United States supporters will see Pochettino lead the side against Haiti on 14 and 18 November, while Manchester United fans await his arrival at Old Trafford and hope he can restore the club to its place among Europe’s leading teams.
