Sami Hyypia’s contract at Leverkusen could automatically be extended for another year until 2015, despite the Finn having been relieved of his duties as manager.
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caption: Sami Hyypia is currently on gardening leave.
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The former Liverpool captain was removed from his position last Saturday following his side’s 2-1 defeat at struggling Hamburger SV, and they currently sit outside the top four in the Bundesliga.
But according to reports in Germany, should Leverkusen qualify for the Champions League next season, an extension in Hyypia’s contract will be activated, giving him another year until the end of the 2015 season.
Hyppia is currently on gardening leave while Sascha Lewandowski -- his sidekick from the 2012-2013 season -- has taken over as caretaker coach.
Lewandowski had stepped down as the first team coach in 2013, after only 13 months in charge, arguing that the pressure of Bundesliga football was not for him. But once the club called Lewandowski returned from the youth department.
"We don’t have a lot of time, the players will have to meet the challenges. We can’t wait three more weeks, and then it works in the fourth week. The season will be over by then," Lewandowski told the press ahead of his first training session. "We need increase our tactical flexibility, defend more aggressive and need a good basic order."
Lewandowski, who will remain in charge for only five games, has brought in the former Graz coach Peter Hyballa, 38, as his assistant.