Former defender Pepe was also considered for the position but Khedira is now expected to join the setup
Real Madrid are set to appoint Sami Khedira to Jose Mourinho’s coaching staff as the Portuguese manager finalises the backroom team for his return to the Bernabeu.
Khedira, who played under Mourinho during his first spell in charge of Madrid, is poised to take up his first senior coaching role since retiring in 2021.
The former Germany international spent five seasons at the club after arriving from Stuttgart in 2010 and was a key figure in the side that won the Liga title under Mourinho before later lifting the Champions League in 2014.
The appointment would continue Madrid’s pattern of transitioning former players into coaching and leadership roles. Figures such as Zinedine Zidane and Alvaro Arbeloa progressed through the club’s coaching structure before taking on greater responsibilities.
Khedira’s familiarity with both Mourinho and the club is viewed as a significant asset. Madrid had also considered the former defender Pepe for the position. Like Khedira, Pepe played under Mourinho and enjoyed a successful spell at the club, but Khedira is now expected to join the coaching setup.
Mourinho was confirmed as Madrid’s head coach on Thursday after emerging as president Florentino Perez’s preferred candidate. Discussions between the club and Mourinho included plans for a largely familiar coaching team, with several members of his existing Benfica staff expected to follow him to Spain.
Khedira made 161 appearances for Madrid and was part of Mourinho’s record-breaking league-winning side before leaving for Juventus in 2015. Mourinho wants the former player to act as an intermediary between the squad, coaching staff and club hierarchy and strengthen those relationships.
