Mauricio Pochettino is stepping down as head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team to take over at Manchester United, as reported by Yahoo Sports.
The move comes only 102 days after the manager signed a four-year extension intended to keep him with the U.S. through the 2030 World Cup, per additional Yahoo reporting.
Pochettino struggled to maintain his composure during a press conference held Friday in Fayetteville, Georgia, where he announced the decision.
“I’m talking with my heart,” he said while choking up, according to Yahoo Sports.
The coach noted that the opportunity to lead Manchester United was difficult to turn down despite his affection for the American project.
“They know not too many opportunities can happen in your career like Manchester United,” Pochettino stated, as documented by Yahoo Sports.
He will manage his final matches for the United States during the upcoming CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals against Haiti.
U.S. Soccer Federation chief executive J.T. Batson confirmed that the federation included a $10 million release clause in the coach’s deal, which the English club must pay.
“Those funds are available for us to invest to make the biggest impact on our goals,” Batson said, as noted by Yahoo Sports.
The federation has already begun the search for a successor, with assistance from women’s national team coach Emma Hayes.
Pochettino leaves the program having elevated its playing style and culture, though he faced criticism for an early exit during the most recent World Cup.
Despite his impending departure to Old Trafford, the coach insisted he remains focused on the immediate task at hand.
“We are very optimistic, and I think it’s a very natural way to finish our partnership,” Pochettino told reporters, per Yahoo Sports.