Sami Hyypia hoping for new contract

Oct 7 2007

Sami Hyypia celebrates his 34th birthday today aware of suggestions he will again be offered a contract extension next summer, while insisting he has no intention of leaving Merseyside.

But the Finland international has played down talk of a new deal when his current year-extension runs out, even if it has come from boss Rafael Benitez.

Hyypia said: “He’s only saying that! I will wait until I see the paper in front of me to sign before I start to believe it.”

But Hyypia, who has stepped back into the side following Daniel Agger’s metatarsal injury, will again be at the heart of defence against Tottenham at Anfield today.

He said: “I can see myself staying around here. I haven’t really thought about it but my family is enjoying their stay in Liverpool. I have very few, if any, reasons to consider going back to Finland.”

The centre-back, who has made 409 Liverpool appearances since 1999, thinks he will remain in football long after hanging up his boots - but not as a manager.

He said: “I would like to stay involved in football somehow. I don’t know if I want to be a manager, I’ve seen a lot of managers in my career and I know that it maybe would not be good for my health.”

Despite enjoying an extended run in the team, Hyypia is aware his replacement at Anfield has already been identified in Danish youngster Agger.

And he is more than happy to pass on the baton to a player he believes could become one of the world’s best.

Hyypia said: “There are no limits to his potential. He is the type of person who wants to learn more every day, and he listens to any advice people give him.

“I know I am getting older now and maybe my best days are gone. It’s very important younger players are coming through. Daniel has taken his chance, shown great consistency and quality.”

Liverpool will be without Brazilian defender Fabio Aurelio against Tottenham, the full-back picking up a calf injury in Wednesday’s Champions League defeat to Marseille.

Benitez is demanding a much better performance, saying: “I want to see character, and I do not believe we will see a repeat of the Marseille performance.”

Despite being under pressure himself this week, Benitez had words of support for Spurs chief Martin Jol after a season of intense speculation about his future.

“It has been a difficult situation for Spurs this season, they have been in the spotlight all the time,” Benitez said.

“But they have a good squad, they spent some money and they have a very good manager doing a good job.

“I remember last season when they progressed well and finished in the top five.

“He will need time after signing new players, but they still have a very good team and they will start winning, hopefully only after this weekend.”