Xabi Alonso was confirmed as Real Madrid’s next manager earlier this summer after the departure of Carlo Ancelotti but one of his former Liverpool teammates has sent him a brutal message
Former Liverpool star Javier Mascherano admits he doesn't wish Xabi Alonso the best as he prepares to take charge at Real Madrid. The Spaniard was confirmed as the La Liga club’s next manager following the exit of Carlo Ancelotti.
The move brings to an end years of speculation that Alonso could exit Bayer Leverkusen for Madrid, while it also sees him return to the club that he represented between 2009 and 2014.
One of his former Liverpool teammates Mascherano has now given his thoughts on the move. And while he is anticipating Alonso to be a success at the Bernabeu, he has not wished him good luck due to his Barcelona allegiances - with Mascherano playing for the Catalan giants for eight years and winning five league titles alongside a host of other trophies.
As quoted by Marca, Mascherano said: "I haven't spoken to him. He was one of the best players I played with throughout my career. I don't wish him the best because he's at Real Madrid, but I'm sure he'll be a great coach for the club.
“He did an excellent job at Bayer Leverkusen. He's a great person, and I had the privilege of playing alongside him for three years."
And while Mascherano has stopped short of wishing Alonso good luck in Madrid, he had a slightly different approach to Argentinian wonderkid Franco Mastantuono, who is set to complete a mega money move to Madrid from River Plate.
"I had the opportunity to coach him with the Argentina U-20 national team,” Mascherano added. “He's a player with many qualities, and it's rare that, at such a young age, someone possesses the maturity and mentality he demonstrates.
“He comes from one of the biggest clubs in the Americas, River Plate, but when Real Madrid or FC Barcelona show interest, it's very difficult to turn down an offer like that. I wish him the best in this new phase."
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Alonso and Mastantuono will certainly be hoping to enjoy a successful first season at the Bernabeu. Real were pipped to the La Liga title by Barcelona, who ended up four points clear at the end of the season.
They were also beaten in the Copa del Rey final, while only managing to reach the Champions League quarter-finals. Alonso has a chance to win his first trophy as Real Madrid boss as the Spanish giants take part in the Club World Cup in the USA.