Hyypia puzzled by Pool’s league form

SAMI HYYPIA says Liverpool are struggling to put their finger on why their incredible run in Europe has coincided with a frustrating run of domestic form.

The Finnish defender recognises that something has gone wrong and they will have to correct it next season, but the analysis will be left until after the Champions League final against AC Milan on May 25.

Liverpool have only finished lower than fifth, their final placing in the Premiership, once in the last 10 years.

“You always say clubs should be able to cope with injuries but we have had so many injuries this season it has been unbelievable,” said Hyypia.

“Of course they affect you a little but that can’t be the only reason that we have been inconsistent. Something has gone wrong and we have to analyse that and do a lot better next season. We have had a new manager and new players and it takes time to adapt to the Premiership.”

Victory in the Ataturk stadium in Istanbul next week would erase the Anfield worries at a stroke.

Hyypia added: “We can’t be 100% happy with how the season has gone but we have a big game to come and everybody should be up for the Champions League final. We believe we can do it. It would be great to win and even greater to bring the cup back to Liverpool.”

Meanwhile, skipper Steven Gerrard may find he has more admirers at Champions League rivals AC Milan than first anticipated. Chelsea and Real Madrid’s interest in Gerrard has been widely reported but the England midfielder also appears to have acquired a number of fans at Milan.

“Of course Gerrard would be an interesting player for us,” said Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti said.

“He is one of the strongest midfielders in the world, he is the Liverpool captain and his team’s performance in the final will depend on his play. However, I don’t think Milan have very many chances of getting Gerrard as there are other teams above us that want him,” he said.

Ancelotti is not the only member of the Italian giants who has revealed his admiration for Gerrard. European Footballer of the Year Andriy Shevchenko has also spoken of his admiration for the midfielder: “I really like Gerrard. He is not only the strongest midfielder in the Premier League but also in the world. He has got a great vision of play and it’s great to watch him play.”

Despite the gushing praise for Gerrard though, Milan have no intention of letting one man distract them from their main aim this season.

With the Italian title now looking destined for Juventus after Milan dropped five points in their last two Serie A matches, the Rossoneri are determined to reign victorious in Europe.

“It’s true my players have suffered a little bit in the last two weeks,” Ancelotti continued. “But we have one week to prepare for the final and we will arrive to Istanbul in top form.”