Updated at 12.45pm

NICOLAS ANELKA has made a surprise move into coaching at the age of 33.

The French striker moved to Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua in January having spent four years at Chelsea but the side have struggled this season and won just one of their opening five games to languish in 11th position.

Rumours this morning suggested that current coach Jean Tigana had been sacked and replaced by Anelka. What transpired was that four coaches, which include former Birmingham City coach Dan Harris and ex-Spurs goalkeeper Ian Walker, as well as Anelka in his new capacity, have been brought in.

And although it was believed that Tigana would remain in charge, reports have now emerged from the BBC which suggest Anelka will in fact take over once the former Fulham boss has agreed a severance package.

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 Daily Mirror reports a club statement as saying.

“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.”

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