Real Madrid News
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.
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.
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.
In what will come as a pleasing development for fans, Fabrizio Romano reports that Real Madrid forward Rodrygo could make a comeback from his injury earlier than expected.
The 25-year-old Brazilian international has been out of action since March after suffering an ACL injury during a La Liga game against Getafe.
Due to the complete rupture of the ACL, coupled with associated meniscus damage, it was suggested that the attacker was staring at a lengthy time out on the sidelines and might not return until 2027.
In fact, the forward’s father, Eric Goes, recently stated in an interview that the Real Madrid ace could be back in February next year, just before the business end of the campaign.
Rodrygo could be back in December
However, as per the update from Romano, Rodrygo’s comeback could happen well before that expected date.
Indeed, if things continue to progress at the current rate, the 25-year-old attacker might return to action in December or by January 2027 at the latest.
This will come as a welcome boost for Jose Mourinho & co., considering that Rodrygo is a valuable player for the team.
Even though he had endured a tough spell prior to his form, the Brazilian’s versatility, work rate off the ball, and eye for a goal make him an asset.
Rodrygo eager to be back at his best
The update from Romano further states that Rodrygo feels very grateful to Real Madrid for all the help and support they have given him during this difficult phase of his career.
As such, the Brazilian international has made it a mission to return to action in the best shape possible and make an impact from the get-go.
The attacker has only recently begun working on the pitch with the ball indicating the significant progress he has made on the road to recovery.
And, if there are no setbacks, Real Madrid could recover one of their ace attackers before the end of the current year.
So far in his career, Rodrygo has made 297 appearances for Real Madrid, scoring 71 goals. He has a contract with the club until 2028.
