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

Former Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira is expected to join Jose Mourinho’s coaching staff at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The 39-year-old enjoyed a successful spell under Mourinho during his first stint in charge of Madrid and is now poised to reunite with him more than a decade later.

This would be Khedira’s first senior coaching role since ending his playing career in 2021.

The former Germany international spent five seasons at Madrid after arriving from Stuttgart in 2010, joining the club during the same summer Mourinho was appointed manager.

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 Madrid win La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League before departing for Juventus in 2015.

Khedira has emerged as Mourinho’s preferred choice for a specialist role within the coaching set-up. He will act as a link between the dressing room, the coaching staff, and the 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 Madrid embark on a new era.

Former Madrid defender Pepe had also been considered for a position within Mourinho’s staff. However, Khedira now appears to be the leading candidate for the role.

Mourinho was officially confirmed as Madrid manager this week after being identified by president Florentino Perez as the club’s preferred 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 set-up.

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.

Madrid have frequently turned to former players when filling coaching positions in recent years.

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.