Khedira makes a strong start as Mourinho’s new presence at Real Madrid

Sami Khedira has made an immediate impression in his first coaching role at Real Madrid, with Jose Mourinho’s new assistant already earning praise for his authority, communication skills and leadership around the club’s training base.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, Khedira has adapted quickly to his new responsibilities as a special assistant to Mourinho. People working around the team at Valdebebas have been impressed by the former Germany international’s confident presence and the way he communicates with players and staff.

The clearest evidence of Khedira’s influence came during Real Madrid’s friendly against Fiorentina in Austria. He took charge of a large part of the warm-up, organising the players and setting the level of intensity required before the match.

Sources close to the Real Madrid dressing room told AS: “Sami seems like a different person.”

The sources added that, during his playing career at the club, Khedira was “a strong voice, and people listened to him, but he preferred to stay away from the spotlight”. In his new position, however, he has become more open and visible.

“He has returned as a more effective leader,” the sources said. “People listen to him. Arda Guler and Eduardo Camavinga did so during the warm-up in Klagenfurt when Khedira gave them specific instructions.”

Khedira moved into television work after retiring from football and worked as an analyst for ESPN during Euro 2021. In 2022, he also completed UEFA’s executive master’s programme for former international players, which focused on leadership and coaching.

That background was not the reason Real Madrid brought him back to the club, according to the report. However, Khedira could represent Mourinho in media duties if required, in a role similar to the one performed by Aitor Karanka during the Portuguese manager’s previous spell in Madrid.

Mourinho’s decision to appoint Khedira was influenced by his previous knowledge of the midfielder’s ability and character. AS reported that Mourinho was convinced by Khedira’s analytical qualities and leadership personality, and personally contacted his former player to persuade him to join the coaching staff.

Khedira accepted the offer immediately.

The newspaper also reiterated that he could step in for Mourinho when dealing with the media, following the example set by Karanka during Mourinho’s earlier tenure at Real Madrid.

Khedira previously worked under Mourinho during their time together at Real Madrid. He was one of the midfielders trusted by the Portuguese manager during Mourinho’s first spell in charge of the Spanish club.

Although this is Khedira’s first experience in coaching, his early involvement suggests he is already taking on a visible role within Mourinho’s staff. His work with Guler and Camavinga during the warm-up in Klagenfurt offered an early indication of how the former midfielder intends to use his experience and authority in the new position.