The Special Bond: Khedira Recalls Mourinho’s Confidence-Boosting Gesture
Former German international Sami Khedira recently shared a heartwarming anecdote about his time under Jose mourinho at Real Madrid, highlighting the unique bond they forged.
Khedira, who joined Real Madrid from VfB Stuttgart after the 2010 World Cup, was immediately embraced by Mourinho. The Portuguese manager wasted no time in assuring the young midfielder of his faith, even before Khedira’s official debut.
During a grueling training camp, after a particularly demanding session, the team boarded the bus back to the hotel. Despite being seated just two rows ahead, Mourinho chose to send Khedira a text message. “You’re a fantastic player,” the message read, “look at my starting XI for that first game – you’re in it.”
khedira recounted this story on the ESPN podcast THE GABS AND JULS SHOW, emphasizing the impact of Mourinho’s gesture. “He then looked at me and just turned around and winked,” khedira recalled. “He gave me so much confidence because I was new to the team,didn’t know anyone,and could hardly speak English or Spanish.”
This simple act of reassurance from Mourinho had a profound effect on Khedira, who went on to become a key player for Real Madrid during their successful period. The midfielder spent three seasons under Mourinho’s guidance before the portuguese manager departed for Chelsea in 2013. Khedira remained at Real Madrid for two more years, winning the Champions League in 2014, before moving on to Juventus Turin. He concluded his illustrious career last summer after a brief stint with Hertha BSC.
Mourinho’s ability to connect with his players on a personal level and instill confidence is well-documented. Khedira’s story serves as a testament to the lasting impact that a simple gesture of faith can have on a player’s career.
More Than Just Tactics: Exploring MourinhoS “Magic touch” with Sami Khedira
join me today as we delve into the world of football psychology and the powerful impact a coach can have on a player’s career. My guest today is former real Madrid and German international midfielder Sami Khedira, who’s here to discuss a heartwarming anecdote about his time under the enigmatic Jose Mourinho.
welcome, Sami! Thanks for joining us. Let’s jump right in. You recently shared a story about a text message you received from Mourinho before your first game for Real Madrid. Can you elaborate on that experiance and the impact it had on you?
Sami khedira: It was an incredibly overwhelming time. Joining Real Madrid was a dream come true, but also incredibly daunting. I was a young player, new to the team, and struggling with the language barrier. Receiving that text from Mourinho, assuring me of my place in the starting lineup, was truly a game-changer. It instilled a level of confidence I didn’t know I possessed. Considering Mourinho’s reputation for being demanding, that gesture really surprised me, and it meant the world.
It’s fascinating how a simple act of communication can have such a profound impact. Do you think Mourinho’s approach to connecting with players on a personal level is what sets him apart from other managers?
Sami Khedira: Absolutely. Mourinho is a master motivator. He understands that football is not just about tactics and formations; it’s also about the mental aspect of the game. He knows how to push players, but he also knows how to encourage and build them up. That text message was just one example of his ability to connect with individuals and make them feel valued.
Some might argue that Mourinho’s methods can be controversial. He’s known for his fiery personality and outspoken nature. Do you believe his demeanor is integral to his success as a manager?
Sami Khedira:
Mourinho is definitely a character.He’s passionate,intense,and sometimes even abrasive. But that’s what makes him so effective. He demands the best from his players, and he’s not afraid to speak his mind. Yes, his approach might not be for everyone, but it definitely works for some players, and for the team as a whole. It creates a winning mentality.
Our readers are curious to hear your thoughts on Mourinho’s legacy. were do you think he ranks among the all-time great managers?
sami Khedira: In my opinion, Mourinho is undoubtedly one of the greatest managers of all time. His trophy cabinet speaks for itself. He’s won titles in multiple leagues with different clubs.
Beyond the trophies, it’s his ability to consistently build winning teams and get the best out of his players that truly sets him apart.
Thank you so much for your insights, Sami. This has been a truly fascinating discussion.
Readers, what are your thoughts on Mourinho’s leadership style? Do you think his “magic touch” with players is a key factor in his success? Share your opinions in the comments below. Let’s keep the conversation going!
