Anelka becomes new 'player-manager' of Chinese club Shenhua

Beijing, Apr 13(ANI): Former Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka, who was lured to the big-spending Chinese outfit in January, has now been handed over new management role after Shanghai Shenhua sacked their team's coaching staff following a dismal run.

Shenhua have won only two of their five matches so far this season, and Anelka confirmed this news on his official twitter account.

"'It's official - I just become (sic) the new player-manager of Shanghai Shenhua," The Daily Mail quoted Anelka's tweet, as saying.

Shenhua also confirmed the sackings, but no mention was made of boss Jean Tigana following speculation he had also been axed.

"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," a club statement said.

"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 statement added. (ANI)