Shenhua coach plays down Anelka impact

Shanghai Shenhua manager Jean Tigana says it is too early to judge whether marquee signing Nicolas Anelka is worth the significant outlay.

Anelka, who is rumoured to be earning 230,000 euros a week at Shenhua, netted on his debut in Friday’s 3-2 loss to Beijing Guoan in the Chinese Super League.

The Frenchman pounced after strike partner Joel Griffiths’ effort was saved to slide the ball home on 66 minutes to make it 2-2.

Earlier, Anelka had hit the crossbar with the free-kick, however he had limited supply and, as a result, limited influence on the game.

Opposition coach Jaime Pacheco admitted he was impressed by Anelka, but the former Chelsea striker had little service to work with as Shenhua struggled in midfield, which Tigana said was a problem which needed to be worked on.

“I think it’s still too soon to tell whether or not Anelka is worth the money,” Tigana told reporters after the game. “He’s new and had trainings with the team far from enough.”

“In my opinion, the most urgent task for my team is to make progress in the midfield.”

Pacheco said Guoan’s Darko Matic did a great job blanketing the Frenchman who had his moments.

“Anelka is a great player. I have to admit that he’s made a very impressive debut,” Pacheco said.

“But someone else did an even better job in this game – Darko Matic, who held the Frenchman back from turning a good job to an amazing job.”

Pacheco added: “The signing of Anelka is a very good move made by Shanghai Shenhua. With players like Anelka coming into China, the local players could be pushed to leap forward.”