Sami Khedira is helping Jose Mourinho maintain the atmosphere and standards at Real Madrid after returning to the club this summer as part of the Portuguese manager’s coaching staff.
The 39-year-old former Germany midfielder’s responsibilities extend beyond assisting with training, according to The Athletic. Khedira is also monitoring the mood inside the dressing room and helping ensure that the standards expected at Real Madrid are upheld.
His influence has reportedly been welcomed by the squad. Khedira is said to have earned considerable respect within the team and regularly offers his views on preparation for matches. He also advises players as they work towards games.
The developing coach is therefore playing a role in several areas of Mourinho’s work. While his formal position is within the coaching staff, his contribution includes supporting the manager away from the training pitch and helping to maintain a positive environment among the players.
Khedira has also continued to demonstrate his physical condition. The former midfielder still takes part in some training sessions alongside the Real Madrid squad, despite having moved into coaching.
His fitness has become a source of humour within the group. Players at the club joke that Khedira could still play for Real Madrid without difficulty, just as he did during Mourinho’s first spell in charge.
The German initially returned to Madrid alongside Mourinho this summer, taking up his new role as he began the next stage of his football career. His work now combines practical involvement in training with a wider responsibility for the team’s atmosphere and preparation.
Although Khedira is beginning his coaching career, his standing among the players means he is already able to contribute openly to discussions about matches and training. The Athletic’s report indicates that his experience as a former Real Madrid midfielder has helped him establish that position within the squad.
For Mourinho, Khedira provides a trusted presence who can work directly with players while also helping to reinforce the club’s expectations. His continued participation in selected sessions has allowed him to remain close to the group, while his advice and opinions have given him a visible role in the team’s daily work.
The arrangement also means Khedira remains connected to the playing environment in which he spent part of his career. Inside Real Madrid, the belief that he could still compete for the club underlines the impression he has made with his fitness and involvement, even as his focus shifts towards coaching.
