Emotional Pochettino Opens Up About Heartbreaking USMNT Departure: 'The Hardest Choice I've Ever Made'

A visibly emotional Mauricio Pochettino spoke to the press on Friday, describing his departure as U.S. men's national team head coach as "the most difficult decision of [his] career."

It has been a turbulent week for Pochettino after, seemingly out of nowhere, he emerged as the frontrunner to succeed Michael Carrick as Manchester United manager. Speculation quickly turned to reality as the Red Devils parted ways with their iconic former midfielder on Thursday, and Pochettino was confirmed as United's new head coach—reportedly on a two-and-a-half year deal—less than 24 hours later.

"It's hard to speak right now," Pochettino said, seated between U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson and President Cindy Parlow Cone. "I'm a very emotional person. This is a very painful decision."

The press conference, initially arranged to preview Saturday's Concacaf Nations League fixture against Haiti, was predictably overshadowed by Pochettino's stunning announcement. Nonetheless, he and his coaching staff will remain on the sideline for both legs of the USMNT's quarterfinal ties, on Saturday and Tuesday, before heading to the Premier League and officially commencing their tenure at Old Trafford on Wednesday.