Football: Anelka tapped as Shenhua ‘player-coach’

SHANGHAI: French striker Nicolas Anelka will become a ‘player-coach’ at Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua, said the club, while insisting French head coach Jean Tigana remained on board. A Shenhua official confirmed they had sacked three assistant coaches after winning only two of their five matches so far this season, but said Tigana was still in his position following speculation he would also be axed. “We fired the assistant coaches, Tigana is still the coach of the team,” said the official. Anelka, a former Arsenal and Chelsea player, said the change marked a ‘new beginning’ for the team. “Being a coach and player are different, but I’ll have a better connection with my teammates on the field,” said Anelka.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 13^th, 2012.