Mauricio Pochettino has been tasked with leading the United States into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the Argentina coach naming Inter Miami’s Drake Callender in his latest training camp.
The Inter Miami goalkeeper as well as Benjamin Cremaschi have been regulars with the USMNT in the last 12 months after an explosive 2024 with the Herons, with Callender’s reputation hitting new heights since the arrival of Lionel Messi.
With Kieran Gibbs lauding Callender as one of Inter Miami’s most important players, the California-born shot-stopper is going from strength to strength between the sticks for the Herons, with the keeper likely to be key for the Florida franchise in the 2025 season.
And Callender has now shared what Pochettino is doing to help the 27-year-old star improve ahead of his Inter Miami return.
READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Drake Callender, Inter Miami’s unsung hero
Callender ‘absorbing’ all he can from Pochettino’s training sessions
Speaking to the Miami Herald, the USA international shared how he is enjoying Pochettino’s training sessions and how much the goalkeeper is taking on from being coached by one of the best managers in world soccer.
A former Chelsea and PSG coach, Pochettino’s appointment as manager of the USA took everyone by surprise at the end of last year, yet the likes of Callender are benefiting greatly from the Argentine’s arrival in America.
Callender said: “I really like his style and approach, and their staff. I’m growing a lot and being challenged a lot. As a goalkeeper, you’re always looking to up your game, so learning from guys who have coached at some of the biggest clubs in the world is great.
“Pochettino is very personable, chats with guys around the gym but once we’re working, we’re working. It’s been intense, and that’s what you need at this level, to be under pressure and be in situations where it might feel uncomfortable but knowing it’s to make you a better player. I am absorbing as much as I can, and I can carry that over to Inter Miami.”
Could Inter Miami replace Callender this January?
Despite being part of Inter Miami’s roster since the very beginning, this January is shaping up to be an uncertain one for Callender, even with the USA international one of the best goalkeepers in MLS in the last 18 months.
Inter Miami were in the market to sign Argentine goalkeeper Nahuel Losada, yet negotiations for the Lanus shot-stopper seem to have stopped as the Herons failed to reach an agreement for the South American.
Indeed, Inter Miami fans will be left fuming if Callender was to be replaced this January, and the goalkeeper needs to show in this international training camp that he is good enough to start between the sticks for Javier Mascherano’s side.