Bayer Leverkusen have parted company with Sami Hyypia after a poor run of form, the Bundesliga club have announced.
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caption:Sami Hyypia is a former Finland international.
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Leverkusen are fourth in the table but a run of one win in nine league fixtures has resulted in Hyypia's departure.
"It was a very difficult decision as Sami has done a fantastic job for us in the last two years," Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller said on the club's official website.
"What he and his coaching staff managed to get out of our team in the first half of the season far exceeded our expectations and earned him widespread praise. It makes this decision all the more difficult.
"However, the developments of the last few weeks gave us no other option but to go our separate ways. We have to do everything in our power to save our season."
Youth team head coach Sascha Lewandowski will oversee first-team duties until the end of the season.