MADRID, July 11 (Reuters) — José Mourinho has begun preparations for the 2026/27 season at Real Madrid. The plan is stark: four friendlies, no U.S. tour, and Sami Khedira as assistant coach.
Mourinho is already working at Valdebebas. Sources confirm he has held early tactical camps with core players. This is not the 2013 version. This is data-driven, disciplined, and ruthless.
No U.S. Tour. Four European Friendlies.
Madrid will play Bayern Munich (Germany), Arsenal (England), Juventus (Italy), and a warm-up Clásico against Barcelona (Spain). Zero matches in the United States.
| Opponent | Venue | Date (TBC) |
|---|---|---|
| Bayern Munich | Allianz Arena | Late July |
| Arsenal | Emirates Stadium | Early August |
| Juventus | Allianz Stadium | Mid-August |
| Barcelona | Santiago Bernabéu | Late August |
The rationale is simple: minimize travel fatigue. Build chemistry against elite European sides. Avoid commercial distractions. Mourinho said: “Football comes first.”
U.S.-based Madridistas are disappointed. The club expects a backlash from sponsors. Mourinho is unmoved.
Khedira Returns as Assistant
Sami Khedira will be Mourinho’s assistant coach. The World Cup winner retired at Hertha Berlin, then shadowed Mourinho at Roma.
An anonymous club source told Managing Madrid: “Sami understands the Madrid DNA. He’s the perfect translator for Mourinho’s demands.”
Khedira’s role is tactical. He will bridge the gap between Mourinho’s methods and a squad that includes young talents like Arda Güler and Endrick.
Synthesis: What It Means
Three pillars define this masterplan:
– Early start. Mourinho is hands-on months before kickoff.
– No U.S. tour. Focus on European giants, not exhibition matches.
– Khedira. A loyal, tactically astute assistant.
The strategy mirrors Mourinho’s 2010 treble-winning Inter approach. Short camps. Intense preparation. Zero sentiment.
Fan confusion over the preseason schedule is now resolved. Skepticism about Khedira’s coaching credentials is countered by his midfield intelligence and Madrid pedigree.
Outlook
Mourinho is positioning Madrid as Champions League favorites and La Liga title contenders. Expect a surprise January signing. The message is clear: this is a war for trophies.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Why is Mourinho skipping the U.S. tour for Real Madrid’s 2026 preseason?
- A: Mourinho aims to minimize travel fatigue and build chemistry against elite European sides, prioritizing football over commercial distractions.
- Q: Who will be Jose Mourinho’s assistant coach at Real Madrid?
- A: Sami Khedira, the World Cup winner and former Real Madrid player, will serve as Mourinho’s assistant coach for the 2026/27 season.
- Q: Which teams will Real Madrid face in their 2026 preseason friendlies?
- A: Real Madrid will play Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Juventus, and a warm-up Clásico against Barcelona, all in European venues.
Extended Reading
– AS USA: “José Mourinho’s Real Madrid preseason plans revealed with four friendlies and no U.S. tour”
– Managing Madrid: “Khedira set to be Mourinho’s assistant coach at Real Madrid”