Former Real Madrid midfielder takes key dressing-room role in Jose Mourinho’s new setup

Real Madrid appointing Jose Mourinho as their new manager at the beginning of the summer also saw a familiar face return to the club as part of his coaching staff: Sami Khedira.

Now, it has emerged that Khedira has been given an important off-the-pitch responsibility as part of Mourinho’s coaching structure, with the former midfielder acting as a bridge between the manager and the players.

According to Cadena SER, Khedira’s role will be to serve as a trusted figure inside the dressing room, helping maintain communication between the squad and Mourinho while preventing minor issues from developing into bigger problems.

A familiar face for the squad

Khedira’s appointment is about much more than tactics.

His experience as a former Real Madrid player and his successful spell under Mourinho make him well suited to understanding both the manager’s demands and the players’ perspective.

Jose Mourinho has a crucial role for Sami Khedira. (Picture credit: X/@realmadrid)

Khedira was also heavily involved during the rondo drills before Madrid’s pre-season training match against Alcorcon, actively interacting with players rather than remaining in the background.

That visible presence suggests he is already becoming an integral part of Mourinho’s backroom staff and not simply a nostalgic addition.

Mourinho values strong communication

Throughout his coaching career, Mourinho has often relied on trusted figures who understand his methods and can reinforce his messages within the squad.

Having someone like Khedira involved on a daily basis could prove valuable, particularly in a dressing room filled with experienced stars and emerging young talent.

Effective communication is essential when integrating new signings, managing expectations and maintaining unity over a long season.

Sami Khedira has returned to Real Madrid. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Rather than acting as an authority separate from the players, Khedira’s role appears designed to build trust and ensure concerns are addressed before they become distractions.

As much as things like new signings and tactical setups matter for success, that success cannot come without a harmonious dressing room.

Last season in particular, a lot seemed fractured within Los Blancos‘ dressing room, especially during Alvaro Arbeloa’s spell, and Jose will be keen to address such issues at source.

Khedira will know exactly what the charismatic Portuguese wants, and this should be seen as a very positive appointment.

If the former Madrid star can help maintain a good atmosphere and keep the communication flowing, it will help Mourinho push on and compete for trophies on all fronts this season and beyond.