Former Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira is set to join Jose Mourinho’s coaching staff at the Santiago Bernabeu. The news marks a significant reunion over a decade after Khedira played under Mourinho. This new role will be Khedira’s first senior coaching position since he retired from playing in 2021.
Sami Khedira’s History with Real Madrid
Khedira, aged 39, arrived at Real Madrid from Stuttgart in 2010, coinciding with Mourinho’s arrival as manager. During his five seasons with the club, Khedira became an essential part of the midfield. He made 161 appearances and helped the team secure multiple titles:
- La Liga
- Copa del Rey
- Champions League
After a successful tenure, Khedira transferred to Juventus in 2015. His past experience and comprehensive understanding of Madrid’s culture have made him Mourinho’s favored choice for a specialist role within the coaching staff.
Coaching Role and Responsibilities
Khedira will serve as a central link among the players, coaching staff, and club management. His extensive experience at Real Madrid and strong rapport with Mourinho are expected to be assets as the club enters a new chapter.
Staff Changes Under Mourinho
Mourinho was officially appointed as Madrid’s manager this week, chosen by president Florentino Perez. Alongside Khedira, several trusted members from Mourinho’s Benfica staff will join him in Spain, including:
- Joao Tralhao (Assistant)
- Pedro Machado (Assistant)
- Roberto Merella (Analyst)
- Antonio Dias (Fitness Coach)
- Nuno Santos (Goalkeeper Coach)
Former Players Transitioning to Coaching
Real Madrid has a history of appointing former players to coaching roles. Notably, Alvaro Arbeloa and Zinedine Zidane both advanced from player to coach. Khedira’s strategic addition to the coaching team indicates the club’s commitment to nurturing familiar faces in leadership positions.
In addition to his club achievements, Khedira boasts an impressive international record, earning 77 caps for Germany and contributing to their 2014 World Cup victory in Brazil. His diverse experience across Germany’s Bundesliga, Spain’s La Liga, and Italy’s Serie A positions him well to influence the new Madrid setup.
As Sami Khedira begins this next phase of his football career, he looks forward to working alongside Mourinho, a key figure in his development as a player.
