Back to 2010? Real Madrid has appointed José Mourinho as head coach—and he’s bringing Sami Khedira on board. This time, as part of his coaching staff. On Friday, Real posted the first photo of the two together on social media.
Sami Khedira is set to become an assistant coach at Real Madrid. José Mourinho, who is returning to the club for a second stint after 2010, is bringing the 39-year-old onto his staff. On Friday afternoon, Real Madrid presented Mourinho’s coaching staff on social media. Khedira was among those featured.
This is Khedira’s first coaching role; in the 2022–23 season, not long after retiring from playing, he served as a sports advisor for his other former club, VfB Stuttgart. Since then, he has primarily appeared as an analyst for the streaming service DAZN.
Khedira is quoted by DAZN as saying that the role at Real Madrid will allow him to “take the next step in my sports career.” The 39-year-old will now step down from his role as a sports analyst.
As a player, Khedira was a regular under Mourinho
Just as he did 16 years ago, Mourinho is bringing the former midfielder on board immediately upon taking office. During Mourinho’s whirlwind three seasons in the early 2010s, Khedira was one of the Portuguese coach’s pillars in Madrid’s double-six midfield alongside Xabi Alonso; the 2014 World Cup champion has repeatedly spoken since then of his good relationship with the “Special One.”
In 2011, the two won the Copa del Rey together, and in 2012, they won the Spanish “record-breaking league title” with 100 points. Khedira won the Champions League with Real Madrid in 2014, one year after Mourinho’s departure.
Center back Pepe, who has also been the subject of recent rumors regarding an assistant coaching role, was part of that team. However, Mourinho’s compatriot has denied these rumors.
In addition to Khedira, assistants Joao Tralhao and Pedro Machado, analyst Roberto Merella, fitness coach Antonio Dias, and goalkeeper coach Nuno Santos are expected to join Mourinho’s coaching staff.
