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.
Anelka also wants to recruit former Paris St Germain team-mate Selim Benachour, currently with Maritimo, and he told Le Journal du Dimanche: "I hope Selim Benachour and Didier Drogba will quickly join us 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."
Source: PA
Source: PA