Sami Hyypia confirms interest in joining Brendan Rodgers' backroom staff

Former Liverpool defender Sami Hyypia has expressed his desire to be a part of Brendan Rodgers' backroom staff at Anfield.

The Reds finished sixth in the league during the 2014/15 season. As a result of their disappointing campaign, the Liverpool board allowed assistant Colin Pascoe and first-team coach Mike Marsh to leave the club.

Hyypia managed Bayer Leverkusen from 2012 to 2014 and after his exit from the Bundesliga club, joined Championship club Brighton & Hove Albion last summer. The 41-year-old spent 10 years at Anfield as a player and he is open to leave his current employers to join Liverpool's coaching staff.

"It would be great to work for a club which I love. I would definitely be interested if Liverpool think I could help them. I have great memories of my time at the club," Hyypia said, as quoted by the Times.

"My rise in management was rapid and I have been thinking a lot about things while I have been out. 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," he said.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are also considering Rene Meulensteen and Pako Ayestaran as potential candidates to become Rodgers' assistant from next season. According to the Telegraph, the Merseyside club have shortlisted Meulensteen and Ayestaran as they look to rebuild after a disappointing last term.

Meulensteen was Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant at Manchester United and if he joins the 20-times English champions' arch rivals, the Dutchman will be able to play a vital role in helping Liverpool compete with top teams.

Ayestaran has already worked at Liverpool for three years as an assistant manager during Rafael Benitez's tenure at Anfield. He is also viewed as a potential candidate to be part of the Northern Irishman's backroom staff.