Real Madrid’s new assistant manager has already become a key figure in the dressing room

Real Madrid’s new assistant manager has already become a key figure in the dressing room Sami Khedira was one of many new faces brought in by Jose Mourinho when he took over charge at Real Madrid earlier in the summer. Formerly a Real Madrid midfielder, Khedira was roped in as an assistant coach for Mourinho. Many had doubted the move at the time as the German had no prior coaching experience and was mostly doing punditry for television. New Khedira has surprised everyone However, as AS reports, Khedira’s integration into the Real Madrid coaching staff has worked out wonderfully so far, with many praising the transformational changes he has brought to the table. His influence was clear to see during last Saturday’s friendly against Fiorentina in Klagenfurt, which marked his public debut as Mourinho’s special assistant. Khedira has transformed himself. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images) Khedira took charge of the team for a large part of the warm-up, organising and setting the pace , and those who see him daily at Valdebebas insist he conveys Mourinho’s message superbly. He is described as far more than a simple link between coach and dressing room. Sources close to the squad say Khedira “seems like a different person” compared to his playing days. Back then, he was a respected voice but operated somewhat in the background. Now, he is more vocal and commanding, with players such as Arda Guler and Eduardo Camavinga seen listening intently to his specific instructions during that warm-up. How Khedira transformed himself The transformation is no accident, with Khedira having spent recent years developing his leadership and communication skills. Mourinho was convinced of Khedira’s abilities. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) After hanging up his boots, he moved into punditry, joining ESPN as an analyst for the European Championship in 2021 before earning recognition across various networks for his understated, analytical style. That media experience means he could even act as Mourinho’s press replacement if required, much like Aitor Karanka did during the Portuguese’s first spell at the Bernabeu. Khedira completed the UEFA Executive Master’s programme for former international footballers in 2022, a two-year course focused on leadership and coaching. It was that blend of preparation and gravitas that convinced Mourinho to make his move. And it took just one phone call from Mourinho to lure Khedira away from his media career. The Portuguese has always valued the serious, thoughtful and analytical nature of the man who was once one of his key players on the pitch. For Khedira, meanwhile, the chance to work under his old mentor at a club of Real Madrid’s magnitude proved impossible to turn down.