New Manchester United boss Mauricio Pochettino has addressed the media for the first time after he was confirmed as Michael Carrick’s replacement
An emotional Mauricio Pochettino couldn’t fight back the tears as has addressed the media for the first time as Manchester United manager, hours after he was confirmed to have replaced Michael Carrick. The Red Devils confirmed the appointment of Pochettino, 54, on Friday (November 13) with a statement.
However, Pochettino still had to face the media as USMNT boss, ahead of their CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final clashes with Haiti. The Argentine started by thanking those at US Soccer before he became increasingly emotional while speaking about his time stateside.
Fighting back the tears, he said: “A decision that in some part is a very sad decision and in another part that we are professional and are trying to find the next step, try to make your dreams come true and I think the most important thing is what we leave here.
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“The moment that we shared together, all the things that we accomplished and put in place and the standard that we increase in that foundation.”
He struggled through his words before eventually breaking down. He added: “We want to thank the fans for their support, for everything.
“When these moments arrive they are always tough, not easy decisions. Normally it’s the opposite – you are sacked and you cry because you want to stay and you are sacked. But in this case it’s the opposite.”
The Argentine was then asked how he would explain his decision to USMNT fans, after signing a new contract over the summer: “Always when you arrive in this type of moment it is a tough moment. It is not an easy decision. We are excited for that step, but now is not the moment to talk.”
He continued: “I will have time next week to talk about the job at Manchester United,” he said. “But now it’s much better to talk about us, USA Soccer. We now have two games ahead and now is complete focus on this.”
United confirmed the news in a statement: “Mauricio Pochettino has agreed to become the Manchester United men’s head coach from 18 November.
“The club has reached an agreement with the U.S. Soccer Federation for Mauricio and his staff to be released after the conclusion of their responsibilities with the U.S. Men’s National Team.
“The Argentinian is renowned for his high-intensity, attacking style of football, his dedication to building strong, cohesive teams and his outstanding record of developing individual players.
“Pochettino has consistently performed at the highest level of football across multiple leagues. He began his coaching career with Espanyol in 2009 before joining Southampton and achieving a club-record Premier League points tally in 2014.
“During five full seasons at Tottenham Hotspur, Pochettino established the club as regular UEFA Champions League contenders, securing qualification in four consecutive seasons and leading the club to its first final in the competition in 2019.
“In 2021, he joined Paris Saint-Germain, where he won the Ligue 1 title, the Coupe de France and the Trophée des Champions before joining Chelsea in 2023. Most recently he led the U.S. Men’s National Team to the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup.”