WASHINGTON, Dec. 3 (Xinhua) -- Former Barcelona and Liverpool enforcer Javier Mascherano has played down his lack of coaching experience as he prepares to take charge of MLS club Inter Miami.

Mascherano faced the media for the first time on Tuesday since his appointment as Inter Miami manager late last month, replacing compatriot Gerardo Martino.

"I'm convinced that I'm capable of coaching the team," the 40-year-old former Argentina captain told a news conference at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.

"I'm very excited to take on this role. Sometimes experience in football doesn't make much sense. I mean, for me, beyond the fact that I have been coaching for three years, I am also supported by my 20-year career and everything I have gone through."

Mascherano's only previous experience as a coach was with Argentina's under-20 and under-23 teams and he was in charge of the Albiceleste at this year's Paris Olympics.

At Inter Miami he will be reunited with erstwhile Barcelona colleagues Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.

Messi, who was also Mascherano's Argentina teammate, maintains a close friendship with the ex-midfielder-turned-defender and is understood to have played a major role in his appointment.

"We must remember that it is not that we're making that change [from teammate to coach] right now, a lot of water has passed under the bridge," Mascherano said, insisting that his relationship with the squad's senior players would not affect his job.

"I left Barcelona in 2018, and a lot has changed. We are grown-up people, we know how to differentiate things. I think life is easier when we do things naturally, and not force situations. I take it as an advantage to be able to know each other, to have had them as teammates and obviously to have great players like them now."

Inter Miami was eliminated by Atlanta United in the first week of this year's MLS playoffs, despite finishing top of the Eastern Conference standings.

Mascherano said he could not guarantee trophies, but vowed not to let this year's disappointment erode team morale.

"It would be hypocritical if I came and promised titles," he said. "What one has to promise is to work to have a competitive team." Enditem

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