Nicolas Anelka confirms he will try to lure Chelsea striker Didier Drogba to China

Didier Drogba is out of contract in the summer (GETTY IMAGES)

Nicolas Anelka has confirmed he will try to lure former Chelsea team-mate Didier Drogba to China following his shock appointment to the coaching staff of Shanghai Shenhua.

Confusion still surrounds Anelka's exact position with the club, with the future of manager Jean Tigana unclear.

It was reported that Tigana had either been sacked or resigned from the post, but the Frenchman has denied all such stories.

Regardless of Anelka's job title, Shenhua, who have long been linked with Drogba, whose Chelsea contract expires this summer, will hope he can convince his old strike partner to sign a lucrative deal in the Far East.

Anelka also wants to recruit former Paris St Germain team-mate Selim Benachour, currently with Maritimo.

"I hope Selim Benachour and Didier Drogba will quickly join us," Anelka told Le Journal du Dimanche.

"I hope they come. It is up to the club to see if we have the right means."

Anelka admitted his surprise at being appointed to the coaching staff, but insisted he had no qualms about taking over from Tigana.

"I don't know what happened with the coach, but it looked like an impasse," he added.

"As usual I will take on and try to seize the challenge, which is the greatest of my career. We start almost from scratch again.

"Florent Ibenge will take the daily training sessions. To assist us there will be Alioune Toure and Ian Walker for the keepers."

Anelka revealed he had a "very English coaching philosophy".

"I have been impressed by Carlo Ancelotti, Kevin Keegan, Arsene Wenger, Guus Hiddink, Christoph Daum and Sam Allardyce," he said.

"I have also looked at Alex Ferguson and Harry Redknapp. I have a very English coaching philosophy."

PA