Sami Khedira set for coaching role under Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid

Sami Khedira set for coaching role under Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid Former Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira is expected to join Jose Mourinho’s coaching staff at the Santiago Bernabeu as the Portuguese continues assembling his backroom team. Khedira, now 39, enjoyed a successful spell under Mourinho during the manager’s first stint in charge of Real Madrid and is now poised to reunite with his former boss more than a decade later. The move would represent Khedira’s first senior coaching role since bringing his playing career to an end in 2021. The former Germany international spent five seasons at Real Madrid after arriving from Stuttgart in 2010, joining the club during the same summer Mourinho was appointed head coach. During their time together, Khedira became a key figure in the midfield and played an important role in one of the most successful periods of Mourinho’s first spell in Spain. He made 161 appearances for the club and helped Real Madrid win La Liga, the Copa del Rey and later the Champions League before departing for Juventus in 2015. Reports suggest Khedira has emerged as Mourinho’s preferred choice for a specialist role within the coaching setup, with the former midfielder expected to act as a link between the dressing room, coaching staff and club hierarchy. His extensive experience at Real Madrid is believed to have been a significant factor in the decision. Khedira’s understanding of the club’s culture, combined with his previous relationship with Mourinho, makes him an attractive addition as Real Madrid prepare for a new era under the returning manager. Former Real Madrid defender Pepe had also been considered for a position within Mourinho’s staff. However, Khedira now appears the leading candidate to take on the role. Mourinho was officially confirmed as Real Madrid head coach this week after being identified by president Florentino Perez as the club’s preferred managerial appointment. The Portuguese coach is expected to bring several trusted members of his Benfica staff with him to Spain. Assistants Joao Tralhao and Pedro Machado are set to follow Mourinho to Madrid, while analyst Roberto Merella, fitness coach Antonio Dias and goalkeeper coach Nuno Santos are also expected to join the new setup. Khedira would add further experience to the group. The former midfielder won 77 caps for Germany and was part of the squad that lifted the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. His career also included successful spells in the Bundesliga, La Liga and Serie A, providing him with experience across Europe’s biggest leagues. Real Madrid have frequently turned to former players when filling coaching positions in recent years. Both Alvaro Arbeloa and Zinedine Zidane previously progressed through coaching roles at the club before taking on greater responsibilities. Khedira now looks set to follow a similar path as he begins the next chapter of his football career alongside one of the managers who played a major role in his development.