FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. — No matter how many times Mauricio Pochettino says he’s in it for the long haul, cynics will likely never accept that his second tenure as U.S. coach lasts until the 2030 World Cup.
Four years is an eternity in the life of a high-end boss used to the 90 minutes of dopamine in the European club scene.
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And on Friday, just 102 days after signing a four-year contract to continue the productive work he began in the fall of 2024 and carried through to this summer’s World Cup, Pochettino struggled to hold back tears during a press conference announcing his departure next week to become Manchester United head coach.
“I speak from my heart,” he says, choking up.
His farewell to the United States will come after the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals against Haiti, Saturday in Miami and Tuesday in Cincinnati. Then, head to Old Trafford.
A less prestigious suitor might not have kept him away from what he called an “incredible project” with the United States.
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But he wasn’t just any suitor; it was Manchester, fucking United – a club that had spoken to Pochettino three other times over the years and now desperately needs help amid their worst start in 40 years.
“I never said I wanted to go back” to Europe, Pochettino said of suggestions he would not stay in the United States before 2030. “They know that few opportunities can come in a career like Manchester United. And of course, when that happens, it’s difficult to turn down that situation. But what I want to make clear, when we decide (to re-sign) together to extend our commitment,” he was looking at 2030.
Mauricio Pochettino works with players, including Christian Pulisic, on Friday before his final two matches as USMNT coach.
(AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)
With a portfolio that includes a Champions League runner-up medal at Tottenham Hotspur, as well as stints at Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, Pochettino was often mentioned during his tenure in the United States as a possible replacement somewhere in the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A or Europe’s other major circuits.
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Tottenham and AC Milan reportedly pursued him during his first 18 months on the job. And although he wouldn’t have thumbed his nose at either club, the World Cup – his first World Cup as a coach – loomed on the horizon. He wasn’t going to leave his American bosses hanging.
Now it was different. Not only were United calling him, but he had left the U.S. program in a good position and with the luxury of extensive preparation for a major competition and, ultimately, the next World Cup.
Pochettino said working for the United States was “a project and a program that we were evolving together. That’s why it makes things more difficult – a decision that, on the one hand, is a very sad decision, and on the other hand, we are professionals and we also have to try to find the next step and try to make your dreams come true.”
Pochettino aimed to make America’s dreams come true this summer, even though he failed to get past the World Cup round of 16 – the typical, frustrating American exit ramp.
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He leaves the program in a much better place than it was when he arrived, however – with greater depth, a stronger culture, an enjoyable playing style and increased confidence and pride. Competing in the World Cup on home soil, the United States’ performance (up until Belgium’s playoff match) captured hearts and sparked excitement not only in the program but in soccer in general.
“We have a team with great momentum. … Mauricio and his team have raised the level,” general manager JT Batson said. “The belief in what is possible for football in this country has never been greater.”
There is, however, a lingering feeling that Batson and his colleagues should have seen this coming, if not after 102 days, but in the months to come. Pochettino is Argentinian, but he is very European and he is a club coach at heart.
The USSF were smart enough to include a $10 million release clause in Pochettino’s contract – an amount that United must pay back to the USSF.
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“These funds are available for us to invest to have the greatest impact on our goals (and) to ensure we have the resources necessary to achieve our goals, including having a world-class coach,” Batson said.
In other words, if another large sum of money is needed to secure the next coach, the USSF will dip into it. Pochettino earned around $6 million, a USSF record. However, his arrival on board two years ago was made possible thanks to external benefactors.
In a sign of the times in sport, Pochettino thanked hedge fund manager Scott Goodwin, who, along with billionaire Ken Griffin, helped cushion his salary. It’s unclear whether benefactors will ask the USSF for a return on their investment, so to speak, or continue to support the federation’s efforts.
The coaching search, led by Batson and Director of Operations Dan Helfrich, will begin immediately. Emma Hayes, the gold medal-winning women’s coach, will assist. Steve Cherundolo – the under-23 coach preparing the 2028 Olympic team and possible senior candidate – will manage a low-key camp without European players next month. The full team will not meet until mid-March.
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“Our ambition is high,” Batson said, “and we think it’s one of the greatest coaching jobs in the world.”
It is not known whether the new boss will be in place by March. But Pochettino could continue his momentum by leading the United States to the final four of the Nations League – a place they have held in each of the previous four editions of the regional tournament.
He may be a lame duck, but Pochettino insisted he will not let his mind wander to the huge challenge that awaits him in Manchester. On Friday, he repeatedly said that he and the U.S. team were focused on the matches against Haiti.
“They’re definitely going to happen,” he said. “We are very optimistic and I think this is a very natural way to end our partnership.”
Given his abrupt departure, getting the most out of the team is the least we can do.
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