Nicolas Anelka Named Shanghai Shenhua Player-Coach

Nicolas Anelka has been put in temporary charge of Shanghai Shenhua, according to reports. The France striker, 33, was only lured to the big-spending Chinese outfit from Chelsea in January but has already taken his first steps into management. Anelka is an unlikely candidate for management, having once been branded 'the Incredible Sulk' after falling out with several of his former clubs and having a reputation as a surly character. But Anelka was handed his new role after Shanghai sacked their team's coaching staff following a dismal run. They have won only two of their five matches so far this season. Shenhua confirmed the sackings, but no mention was made of boss Jean Tigana following speculation he had also been axed. However, reports suggest that Tigana is now negotiating a severance package. A club statement read: 'Due to the team's recent record which has not met the expectations and demands of the club's fans, media and other parties and the fact the foreign players are in urgent need of high-quality training the club has made the decision to replace some members of the coaching staff. 'The club will introduce four coaches from the United Kingdom and France to join the coaching staff to provide the necessary training support to ensure the competitive state of the players. 'In addition, the team captain Nicolas Anelka will coach and participate in the team's daily training management.' The Oriental Sports Daily newspaper said the club had sacked the coaches brought on board by Tigana and hired four new ones as replacements. Former Tottenham keeper Ian Walker, who will work with the goalkeepers, and Birmingham fitness coach Dan Harris will also join as new assistants, as do two Frenchmen, Alioune Kissima Toure and Jean-Florent Ikwange Ibenge, according to the newspaper. Anelka, who has also played for Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Bolton and Galatsaray, is the most high- profile foreign footballer to sign for the Chinese league. Shenhua finished in the bottom half of the table last season. Tigana, the former Fulham and Monaco boss, also joined Shenhua as the club sought out more foreign talent. Shenhua are 11th in China's Super League, having claimed just five points from five games this term.