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 the 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.
Chinese adventure: Nicolas Anelka in action for Shanghai Shenhua last week
Chinese adventure: Nicolas Anelka in action for Shanghai Shenhua last week
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.
A Shenhua official confirmed the sackings, but insisted Tigana was still in his position following speculation he would also be axed. However, other reports suggest that Tigana has been sacked and is now negotiating a severance package.
'We fired the assistant coaches. Tigana is still the coach of the team,' the unnamed official said. 'Anelka is now on the coaching team.'
The Oriental Sports Daily newspaper said the club had sacked the coaches brought on board by Tigana and hired four new ones as replacements.
Surprise: Anelka made the move to China in January after leaving Chelsea
Surprise: Anelka made the move to China in January after leaving Chelsea
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
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