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Sami Hyypia says it ‘wouldn’t be a problem’ to put his managerial ambitions on hold to join Brendan Rodgers’ backroom staff at Anfield.
The former Liverpool captain, who played for the Reds for over a decade winning ten major honours, has been linked with a return to Merseyside in a coaching capacity following the departures of Colin Pascoe and Mike Marsh last week.
Hyypia, who was manager of Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen for two seasons before an ill-fated spell in charge of Brighton, insists that he is prepared to take on the No2 role at Anfield should the opportunity be offered to him.
“It would be great to work for a club which I love,” said Hyypia. “I would definitely be interested if Liverpool think I could help them. I have great memories of my time at the club.”
“My rise in management was rapid and I have been thinking a lot about things while I have been out,” he continued. “If there were no interesting opportunities as a manager, then I would be ready to be an assistant.
“That sort of role would give me a lot of experience; it wouldn’t be a problem for me.
“I feel ready to go into football again. You look at yourself and I am enthusiastic about getting back into the game.”
In addition to Hyypia, Liverpool will also consider approaches from Pako Ayestaran and former Manchester United assistant Rene Muelensteen.
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Ayestaran was Rafa Benitez’s assistant at Anfield between 2004 and 2007. The 52-year-old arrived with Benitez after the pair enjoyed success together at both Tenerife and Valencia, before moving to Benfica following a breakdown in their relationship.
Muelensteen, 51, has been out of work since being sacked as Fulham manager last year, but under Sir Alex Ferguson the Dutchman helped guide Manchester United to three Premier League titles, and Champions League success in 2008.
Liverpool have already begun work on rebuilding this summer with the arrivals of James Milner and Danny Ings, with the England Under-21 striker set to complete a move to Anfield once Liverpool and Burnley agree on a compensation package for the 22-year-old.
