In 2014, Sami Khedira etched his name into soccer history by winning the World Cup with Germany and the Champions League with Real Madrid. Since retiring in 2021, the former holding midfielder has worked as an external adviser to Stuttgart, a television analyst and a public face for Enterprise Rent-A-Car, sponsor of the Europa League and Conference League. Through its Real Club Legends initiative, the company aims to shine a light on fans and the behind-the-scenes workers who keep the game running.

Speaking to AS, Khedira not only shares his views on European soccer’s present but also reflects on his beloved Real Madrid.

According to a study commissioned by Enterprise Rent-A-Car, 92% of Spanish fans surveyed believe volunteers and other behind-the-scenes staff deserve greater recognition, with 74% saying they are as important as – or even more important than – the players on the field.

“Absolutely,” Khedira says. “It doesn’t matter whether it’s before, during or after the game: without those people, soccer wouldn’t function. At Euro 2024, it meant a lot to me to personally thank many of the volunteers. They’re essential to the stadium experience and deserve more recognition.”

New Champions League format brings fresh drama

Khedira has embraced the revamped Champions League and Europa League formats. “I’m really enjoying it. We reached the final matchday not knowing who would make the top eight, who would go to the playoff or who would be eliminated. That makes it exciting. The old format had become a bit outdated; the big teams could ease off toward the end. That’s no longer possible. Games like Benfica against Madrid are the icing on the cake. After so many years, I had goosebumps again – and that’s what it’s all about.”

He also highlights the upsets. Bodø’s win over Inter, Galatasaray’s five-goal rout of Juventus – something that hadn’t happened in Europe since 1958 – and even Stuttgart being forced into a Europa League playoff all underline the new level of demand. “I can’t wait to see what’s coming next,” he adds.

Premier League financial dominance ‘years ahead’

What has not changed, in his view, is the supremacy of England’s top flight. Premier League clubs, he says, are operating on another financial plane.

“Competing financially is almost impossible. The English are years ahead. But they’ve earned it – they’ve had a clear strategy for years. Style of play, international marketing – it’s been a long process.” For leagues such as Germany’s Bundesliga or Spain’s La Liga, that means doubling down on local talent. “If the Premier League invests hundreds of millions in the next Havertz or Wirtz, that money stays within their ecosystem. The key is to develop your own $100 million players. Maybe you keep them for a while. If not, you reinvest and keep the wheel turning.”

And yet, he insists, money alone is not enough. “It doesn’t score goals. You also need expertise, and they have that. Look at Aston Villa in the Europa League – they have resources, but also a coach who knows what it takes to win this competition. For the romantics who want more balance, the English will remain the benchmark.”

Regret over Xabi Alonso’s brief spell at Real Madrid

Few expected Xabi Alonso’s spell at Real Madrid to end so soon.

“I was very sorry he wasn’t given more time,” Khedira says. “We can speculate about internal reasons, but for me he remains an extraordinary coach who will soon lead another major European club and succeed again. Sometimes you inherit a locker room full of personalities that isn’t yet ready for your idea of soccer or your way of managing it.”

On his successor, Álvaro Arbeloa, Khedira recalls a line from José Mourinho: perhaps not the most talented player he coached, but among the hardest-working and strongest mentally. “He’s direct, competitive, sometimes provocative, but always honest. That comes across to players like Vinicius.”

With Carlo Ancelotti, he says, Vinícius Júnior came close – deservedly – to winning the Ballon d’Or. Under Alonso, he appeared more restricted within a system that prioritized the collective. “Arbeloa has freed him in a different way, and you can already see it on the field.”

No tolerance for racism, no excuses

Asked about the controversy in Lisbon, where Gianluca Prestianni allegedly insulted Vinicius, Khedira is firm. “The reality is no one knows exactly what happened. We all agree racism has no place anywhere, including in the stands. If that word was used, it’s intolerable and must bring a severe sanction after investigation.”

As for Vinicius’ occasionally provocative celebrations, Khedira draws a distinction. “It’s nothing new that Vini can provoke. He must understand he’s a role model for millions of kids, just like Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi were. Cristiano also showed a lot of ego early on – until he understood his impact and embraced a leadership role. That’s the next step for Vini. But none of that justifies racist abuse. No one has the right to discriminate because of skin color or origin. It’s sad we still have to repeat that.”

Bayern’s rebuild and Germany’s World Cup hopes

Turning to FC Bayern Munich, Khedira praises Vincent Kompany’s impact at the Allianz Arena. Cost-cutting and a leaner squad opened the door to young talents such as Karl. “Who knows if we’d be talking about his breakthrough if they’d spent $54 million on another replacement for Sané or Müller? Karl seized his chance, but credit also goes to Kompany for trusting him.”

He describes the Belgian’s stamp as unmistakable – on the field, in man-management and with the media. Even players like Leon Goretzka, despite having decided to leave, remain fully committed. “If you’re direct and honest, players respect you.”

With the club’s new spine – Upamecano, Davies, Kimmich and Musiala – already renewed, the question turns to Manuel Neuer, now 39. “I think the club wants him to continue, regardless of a muscle injury here or there, which is normal at his age. They learned from the Müller case. Both are Bayern and Germany legends and deserve a solution if they want to carry on. I’d hate not to see Manu between the posts anymore, but it’s his decision and his alone.”

Meanwhile, Marc-André ter Stegen faces another injury setback. “It’s one of the cruellest stories. You finally get the chance to be number one, at a World Cup no less, and you’re injured again. As a former athlete, it hurts to see. But Baumann has done well. He’s not Neuer, but he’s performed for Germany.”

If Germany’s core – Baumann, Tah, Schlotterbeck, Kimmich, Pavlovic, Wirtz and Musiala – stays physically and mentally strong for five weeks, Khedira believes they can be contenders. Still, he currently sees Spain, England and France a step ahead due to squad depth. “I can’t wait for the World Cup. And I’ll take the risk of saying I think we’ll do better than in the last two.”

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