Seagulls put Premier League ambitions in Hyypia’s hands.
Brighton & Hove Albion have appointed former Liverpool legend Sami Hyypia as their new manager, handing him a three-year contract and a route back into the English game, according to the BBC.
The Finish tactician takes over the vacant hot seat from Oscar Garcia, who handed in his notice following the club’s defeat to Derby County in last season’s playoff semi final.
The 40-year-old was given his marching orders by Bundesliga giants Bayer Leverkusen in April, but he has jumped at the chance to return to management, and he has insisted that he is looking forward to the challenge of helping the club rise to the top flight of the English game.
“Brighton are an ambitious club and I am very pleased to have been given this opportunity,” Hyypia said.
“I have looked at the club from top to bottom and I am very impressed by what I’ve seen at all levels.”
Hyypia hung up his playing boots in 2011 at the age of 37, having spent the bulk of his successful career with the Anfield outfit.
He was a part of the squad that lifted that Champions League back in 2005 as well as being a part of the squad that clocked up a historic FA Cup, League Cup and Uefa Cup treble in 2001.
The Finn took sole charge of Leverkusen in May 2013 but was sacked 11 months later following a run of one win in 12 matches, but he believes he is ready for the challenge of the English championship.
“I’ve seen the Amex Stadium and the club’s new training ground and they are among the best I’ve seen anywhere in the world,” he added.
“I’ve also already met some of the key staff including [assistant manager] Nathan Jones, the club’s head of football David Burke, and Dr Helge Riepenhoff, head of medical and sports science, and I am looking forward to working with them.”
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