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Basile unhappy about West Ham pair

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LONDON, England -- Argentina coach Alfio Basile believes that internationals Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano should quit struggling English side West Ham to save their careers.

The Argentinian pair stunned the Premiership when they moved to Upton Park on transfer deadline day from Brazilian club Corinthians.

"I hope both of them leave that club as soon as possible," Basile told Argentinian sports website TyC Sports.

"I think they are half-hearted and I'm really worried about that. They play as if they are unenthusiastic. I hope for God's sake that Mascherano can go to Juventus as it has been said, even if he has to play in the second division (in Italy).

"And Tevez can play in any position in the attacking line, but not as a left-winger like he is currently playing."

Tevez and Mascherano moved to Upton Park from Brazilian club Corinthians.

They were brought to London by Kia Joorabchian, the businessman who is considering launching a takeover at West Ham, but the transfer sparked much speculation in the media.

There still remain suspicions that the players are using West Ham as a stepping stone to a bigger club, although the club insists that both have four-year contracts.

Despite their reputations neither has made a significant impact with the London club.

Their first appearance was in a 1-1 draw at home to Aston Villa. Since then the Hammers have lost five successive matches, including both legs of the UEFA Cup first round tie against Palermo.

Basile clearly fears that a series of disappointing club performances will affect their international form.

But Mascherano told the London Evening Standard on Friday that he would be staying at West Ham.

"In a football club like this you need time to adapt," Mascherano said. "Maybe the first year is just about getting to know it.

"My idea is to stay a long time because it is not right for a player to spend just a year in one country, that's too hard.

My wife and baby daughter have joined me and we are looking for somewhere permanent to live."


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Basile believes Tevez, who impressed in the World Cup, is playing out of position.

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