Sami Khedira Given Special Real Madrid Role After Joining Jose Mourinho’s Coaching Staff

Sami Khedira has reportedly taken on a special responsibility at Real Madrid after joining Jose Mourinho’s backroom team as an assistant coach. The former Germany international returned to the Spanish giants in July 2026, reuniting with Mourinho after their successful spell together between 2010 and 2013.

According to reports, Mourinho specifically wanted a charismatic figure who understood the club’s standards and could help manage the dynamics of a star-studded dressing room. Khedira’s previous experience at Real Madrid made him a natural fit for that role.

Sami Khedira Reunites With Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid

Khedira joined Real Madrid from VfB Stuttgart in the summer of 2010, shortly after Mourinho took charge of the club. During his five-year spell at the Santiago Bernabeu, the midfielder made 161 appearances, scoring nine goals and providing 13 assists.

He was part of the Real Madrid squad that won the Champions League, LaLiga and FIFA Club World Cup before leaving for Juventus in 2015.

The German midfielder made 121 of his 161 appearances for Real Madrid during Mourinho’s first spell as manager. Their previous working relationship therefore gives Khedira an understanding of Mourinho’s footballing methods and expectations.

Mourinho Wanted a Charismatic Dressing-Room Figure

Reports suggest that Mourinho had a particular requirement when discussions with Real Madrid officials began in May 2026. The Portuguese manager wanted someone capable of maintaining the club’s standards while also handling relationships within the dressing room.

Khedira reportedly became the answer to that requirement when he was appointed to Mourinho’s coaching staff in July.

The role could be especially important given the number of high-profile players currently representing Real Madrid. The squad includes stars such as Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr and Federico Valverde, meaning strong dressing-room management can be an important part of maintaining harmony within the team.

Khedira’s Influence Already Being Felt at Real Madrid

Real Madrid have made an encouraging start to the 2026-27 LaLiga campaign. They showed resilience to secure a late 2-1 victory over Espanyol in their league opener on August 22.

They then followed that result with a convincing 4-1 win against Real Sociedad on August 26. While results alone cannot establish Khedira’s influence, his presence adds experience and familiarity to Mourinho’s coaching setup.

His knowledge of the club and experience playing alongside elite footballers could make him an important bridge between the coaching staff and the players.

Khedira’s Real Madrid Career

• Joined Real Madrid: 2010 from VfB Stuttgart.
• Appearances: 161.
• Goals: 9.
• Assists: 13.
• Major honours: Champions League, LaLiga and FIFA Club World Cup.
• Left Real Madrid: 2015 for Juventus.
• New role: Assistant coach under Jose Mourinho.

Alvaro Arbeloa Reflects on Real Madrid Spell

The latest development involving Khedira comes alongside comments from former Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa, who is now the head coach of Fulham.

Arbeloa spent more than two decades associated with Real Madrid, initially as a player before moving into coaching. He eventually took charge of the senior team during the 2025-26 campaign following Xabi Alonso’s departure.

Arbeloa managed 28 matches, recording 18 wins, two draws and eight defeats. Real Madrid subsequently appointed Mourinho, while Arbeloa moved to the Premier League to take charge of Fulham.

Reflecting on his time with Madrid, Arbeloa expressed his gratitude toward the club and emphasized his lasting connection with Real Madrid.

Real Madrid’s Next LaLiga Fixture

Real Madrid will return to LaLiga action against Malaga on Sunday, August 30. With Mourinho beginning a new era at the club, Khedira’s reported dressing-room responsibilities could become an important part of the manager’s approach to handling a squad filled with established stars.