Mascherano, on the U-20 bench

The ex player of Liverpool and FC Barcelona Javier Mascherano will assume the position of coach of the U-20 team of Argentina next year, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) said on Thursday.

It will be the first coaching job for Mascherano, who won more than 100 games with the national team playing defense and midfield. ‘Masche’, 37, will replace Fernando Batista from next January, the AFA said.

After a long career with stints at River Plate, Corinthians, West Ham and Estudiantes, Mascherano retired in November 2020.