Pochettino wants to end tenure as US coach on high note

Detailed summary

Nov 13 : Outgoing US men's national team coach Mauricio Pochettino said on Friday he is committed to ending his tenure on a high note before leaving to take charge of Manchester United.

The Argentine's departure comes after he signed a new contract with US Soccer in August to lead the Americans through to the 2030 World Cup.

Speaking to reporters in Fayetteville, Georgia, Pochettino said his exit "is not going to change our commitment" or approach to the team's upcoming CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final matches against Haiti, which will be his final games in charge.

"Soccer is soccer, and some aspects you cannot control, but we are very optimistic and I think it's a very natural way to finish our partnership," said Pochettino.

"We are not happy because we split," the 54-year-old added. "But at the same time, it's a logic thing that can happen in the life of a coach and federation, clubs and different companies."

Pochettino took charge of the US in September 2024, compiling a record of 21 wins, 12 losses and two draws across 35 matches. He guided the Americans to the 2025 Gold Cup final, where they fell to Mexico, as well as the last 16 of this year's World Cup on home soil.

Pochettino joked that he is "not arrogant enough" to talk about his legacy but said the team and federation will always have a place in his heart.

"From the beginning, you made me feel really happy doing my job, sharing an amazing project, being part of this family," he said.

"Mauricio and his staff have raised the standard at US Soccer every day they've been here," US Soccer CEO JT Batson told reporters. "We have clearer connections now between our youth national teams and our senior team.

Opening of the article, excerpted from CNA. To read the rest, open the article on the publisher's site.