Jakarta Aktual – 15 June 2026 | Jose Mourinho, the legendary Portuguese manager, is set to reunite with former Real Madrid stalwart Sami Khedira as the German legend joins his coaching staff at the Santiago Bernabéu. This marks a nostalgic return for Khedira, who played under Mourinho during his first tenure at the club from 2010 to 2013, and signals a strategic move by the club to blend experienced figures with Mourinho’s tactical vision.
Khedira, 39, retired from professional football in 2021 but has now been linked to a senior coaching role under Mourinho, Real Madrid’s newly appointed head coach. The 2014 World Cup winner spent five years at Madrid, making 161 appearances and winning the La Liga title in 2012-13, a season defined by Mourinho’s leadership. His return to the club, even in a coaching capacity, is seen as a bridge between Madrid’s past glory and its future ambitions.
Mourinho’s appointment was confirmed following exclusive reports that revealed Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez had identified him as the ideal candidate to revive the struggling giants. The new manager is expected to bring a core of trusted staff from Benfica, including assistants Joao Tralhao and Pedro Machado, analyst Roberto Merella, and fitness coach Antonio Dias. Khedira’s inclusion adds a unique dimension, as he combines firsthand knowledge of Madrid’s culture with a deep understanding of Mourinho’s methods.
The former Germany international’s transition to coaching follows a pattern at Real Madrid, where legends like Zinedine Zidane and Alvaro Arbeloa have successfully transitioned into management roles. Khedira’s experience playing under Mourinho during Madrid’s most successful era—winning La Liga, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey—positions him as a mentor for younger players and a stabilizing force in the dressing room.
Mourinho’s camp has also reportedly considered other former Madrid stars for coaching roles, including the legendary Pepe, who spent a decade at the club. However, Khedira’s immediate connection to Mourinho’s philosophy and his rapport with the team’s hierarchy have solidified his place in the new setup. The Portuguese manager’s emphasis on tactical discipline and mental resilience aligns with Khedira’s strengths as a leader.
This move underscores Real Madrid’s commitment to leveraging their storied history to rebuild under Mourinho. With the 2024 season approaching, the club’s blend of veteran wisdom and innovative coaching aims to address recent challenges, including inconsistent form and a need to reclaim domestic and European dominance.
In conclusion, Jose Mourinho’s decision to bring Sami Khedira into his coaching staff represents a calculated step toward blending tradition with modernity. As the duo embarks on this new chapter, Real Madrid fans will be watching closely to see if their partnership can recapture the magic that once defined the club’s golden age.
