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Xabi Alonso takes charge of Real Madrid for the first time this week(Image: Quality Sport Images, Getty Images)

Javier Mascherano admits he can’t bring himself to wish former Liverpool team-mate Xabi Alonso good luck at Real Madrid.

And speaking at the tournament, Mascherano has opened up about former Spain midfielder Alonso’s new role.

While he expects him to thrive at the Santiago Bernabeu, the Argentine can't wish him the best due to his loyalties to Barcelona, where he won five league titles across an eight-year stint, reports the Mirror.

Mascherano said via Marca: "I haven't spoken to him.

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."

Article continues belowXabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano during their time at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

Although Mascherano didn’t extend his best wishes to Alonso, he took a different stance on young Argentine talent Franco Mastantuono, who Real last week signed from River Plate for a £38.5million fee.

"I had the opportunity to coach him with the Argentina U-20 national team,” Mascherano explained.

“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.

This season saw Real narrowly miss out on the La Liga title to Barcelona, finishing four points adrift.

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Los Blancos also suffered defeat in the Copa del Rey final to their Catalan rivals, while their Champions League campaign ended prematurely at the quarter-final stage.

With the Club World Cup in the USA now underway, Alonso has the chance to swiftly win his first trophy as Real Madrid boss.