How I lost Liverpool Captaincy To Steven Gerrard – Ex-Finnish Defender

Sami Hyypia says there he feels no bitterness over losing his Liverpool captaincy to Steven Gerrard.

The Anfield legend insists he was “very happy” with the bold decision in the long-run.

Hyypia, who celebrates his 51st birthday today, had a hugely successful ten years at Liverpool from 1999 to 2009. In 2002, at-the-time Reds manager Gerard Houllier recognised Hyypia’s leadership qualities, rewarding his superb defensive prowess with the captain’s armband.

But just a year later, the Finnish centre-back had the armband removed from him in favour of then-23-year-old local lad Gerrard. Gerrard would etch his name in Liverpool history by becoming one of the club’s greatest ever captains, famously inspiring the team to a miraculous Champions League victory in Istanbul in 2005.

Hyypia, who was a boyhood fan and joined from Dutch side Willem II, admits his performances benefitted from losing the captaincy. And the former Finland international was even “happy” that Gerrard was able to reach another gear as a result of the decision.

He told the Echo in 2022: “Coming from Finland and being the Liverpool captain is a great honour. I still remember the day I lost the captaincy to Stevie and I am very happy that happened.

“I knew it meant a lot to Stevie and he grew up as a man and a player so much after that. For myself, I started to play better when I lost the captaincy. It worked both ways.

Sami Hyypia says there he feels no bitterness over losing his Liverpool captaincy to Steven Gerrard. The Anfield legend insists he was “very happy” with the bold decision in the long-run.

Hyypia, who celebrates his 51st birthday today, had a hugely successful ten years at Liverpool from 1999 to 2009. In 2002, at-the-time Reds manager Gerard Houllier recognised Hyypia’s leadership qualities, rewarding his superb defensive prowess with the captain’s armband.

But just a year later, the Finnish centre-back had the armband removed from him in favour of then-23-year-old local lad Gerrard. Gerrard would etch his name in Liverpool history by becoming one of the club’s greatest ever captains, famously inspiring the team to a miraculous Champions League victory in Istanbul in 2005.

Hyypia, who was a boyhood fan and joined from Dutch side Willem II, admits his performances benefitted from losing the captaincy. And the former Finland international was even “happy” that Gerrard was able to reach another gear as a result of the decision.

He told the Echo in 2022: “Coming from Finland and being the Liverpool captain is a great honour. I still remember the day I lost the captaincy to Stevie and I am very happy that happened.

“I knew it meant a lot to Stevie and he grew up as a man and a player so much after that. For myself, I started to play better when I lost the captaincy. It worked both ways.

“It may have even made our relationship even deeper as he saw I was okay with the manager’s decision and took it as a professional and a man. I think he [Gerrard] respected me more after that. I wanted to help Stevie and if he had a problem, I was always there.”

Hyypia racked up an impressive 318 appearances for Liverpool before making his move to Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2009. His list of silverware with the Reds is nothing short of remarkable, boasting two FA Cups, two League Cups, two Community Shields, the aforementioned Champions League, UEFA Cup and UEFA Super Cup.

After hanging up his boots in 2011, the Reds hero began managing Leverkusen, who are now led by his former team-mate Xabi Alonso. A short stint at Brighton followed before he took charge of FC Zurich for the 2015/16 season.