Tigana to coach Shanghai

Chinese Super League club Shanghai Shenhua have named Jean Tigana as their new coach.

The announcement came just days after the signing of former France international and Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka.

Tigana’s playing career spanned 16 years, most of them at Lyon and Bordeaux.

He returned to take the reins at Lyon in 1993 and spent several years coaching Monaco, Fulham, Besiktas and Bordeaux.

“I could have gone to England or Turkey,” Tigana said during Sunday’s press conference with team owner Zhou Jun.

“I am privileged to be here. I found a new challenge here. This is not a financial choice – it is a sporting and life decision.”

The 56-year-old looked forward to coaching fellow countryman Anelka.

“He is a very talented footballer who will bring a lot to the club,” he said of the striker.

Tigana is the second high-profile manager to join the CSL this week, following former Japanese national team coach Takeshi Okada’s signing with Hangzhou Greentown on Thursday.