José Mourinho is building more than just a squad at the Santiago Bernabéu. He’s assembling a world. And the latest piece of that puzzle is a deeply personal one — former Germany midfielder Sami Khedira is expected to join Mourinho’s coaching staff at Real Madrid, reuniting two men who first worked together over a decade ago.
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From Dressing Room to Dugout
Khedira, now 39, arrived at Real Madrid in the summer of 2010 — the exact same window that brought Mourinho to the Bernabéu. The two spent three years together in the Spanish capital, winning a historic La Liga title in 2011-12 with a record points total. They know each other. They trust each other. And now, Mourinho wants that trust in his backroom team.
The role would represent Khedira’s first senior coaching position since hanging up his boots in 2021 — a fresh chapter for one of Germany’s greatest World Cup winners.
Who’s Joining Mourinho’s Backroom Team?
| Staff Member | Role |
|---|---|
| Sami Khedira | Expected — Link Between Club, Squad & Staff |
| João Tralhão | Assistant Coach (from Benfica) |
| Pedro Machado | Assistant Coach (from Benfica) |
| Roberto Merella | Analyst |
| Antonio Dias | Fitness Coach |
| Nuno Santos | Goalkeeper Coach |
Why Khedira? The Perfect Bridge
Mourinho isn’t just looking for a coach — he’s looking for a connector. According to reports from The Athletic’s Real Madrid correspondent Mario Cortegana Santos, the Portuguese manager wants someone who can serve as a link between the club, the squad, and the coaching staff — someone with knowledge of Spanish football, a deep understanding of Real Madrid’s culture, and a pre-existing bond with Mourinho himself.
Khedira ticks every box. He made 161 appearances for Madrid, won La Liga, the Copa del Rey twice, and the Champions League. He knows the weight of that badge. He knows what the Bernabéu demands. And crucially, he knows Mourinho.
His experience across the Bundesliga, Serie A at Juventus, and 77 caps for the German national team adds layers of tactical and cultural knowledge that few coaches entering the game can match.
Pepe, Khedira’s former Madrid teammate and fellow Mourinho disciple, had also been under consideration for the role — the 43-year-old defender spent a decade at the club. But for now, Khedira appears to be the frontrunner.
For all the latest Real Madrid news, Mourinho’s squad rebuild, and transfer updates, head to TechnoSports. Also check out our breakdown of Real Madrid’s full summer signings as the Mourinho era takes shape. For official club announcements, visit Real Madrid’s official website.
The Special One is back at the Bernabéu. And he’s bringing his people with him.
