Nicolas Anelka will call the shots at Mumbai City FC, after agreeing to be player-manager for the ISL franchise in the second season. This is his second stint in a dual role; earlier in 2012 the French World Cupper was player-manager for Shanghai Shenhua club, China.
MCFC announced the appointment of Anelka as marquee player-cum-manager on Friday, continuing a trend in ISL adopted by other franchises. Anelka commented: “I would like to say thank you to Mumbai City FC staff for giving me the opportunity to coach the club. We are all very excited to start this new season. I’m personally very eager to take on this new role for the club and put a strong competitive team on the pitch.”
Team owner Ranbir Kapoor, confirming the decision, said: “Last year, he impressed us all with his tactical knowledge and excellent motivational skills. It’s a role both parties have been discussing for a couple of months and it’s been a great start.”
The lean and tricky Frenchman has experience of 69 international appearances and about 500 club games with elite outfits Juventus, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool among others.
