• Premier League

Hyypia 'dreams' of Liverpool job

Former Liverpool captain Sami Hyypia would relish the chance to manage the Reds © Getty Images

Enlarge

Bayer Leverkusen coach Sami Hyypia admits that managing Liverpool would be a "dream".

Former Liverpool captain Hyypia, 39, is enjoying an impressive start to his coaching career, having taken sole charge of Leverkusen in the summer after spending last season working alongside Sascha Lewandowski.

Hyypia has excelled in his new role, taking 18 from a possible 21 points in his first seven games in the Bundesliga, while Wednesday's 2-1 win over Real Sociedad gives them every chance of emerging from a Champions League group also featuring Manchester United and Shakhtar Donetsk.

Speaking ahead of the league clash with Bayern Munich at the BayArena on Saturday evening, Hyypia has said he would relish the chance to take charge at Anfield at some stage in his career.

"I have got two special places in my heart," he said. "I was born in Finland, and there the job as the national team coach is the biggest job. Liverpool has the other place in my heart. I don't want to say, 'That's my goal', but - after the ten years I played there - it would also be a dream to one day be the Liverpool manager."

However, he stressed that he is focused on succeeding with his current side.

"I live in the here and now, and that means Bayer Leverkusen, which gives me a lot of pleasure," he said.

Earlier this week, Bild reported that Hyypia is set to shadow England manager Roy Hodgson during the international break. Hyypia had worked with Hodgson between 2006 and 2007, when Hodgson coached Finland.

Download ESPN's new UK sport app, a fresh and powerful new way to follow your favourite UK sports news, scores and video.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd