Sami Hyypia enjoying life with Brighton and Hove Albion ahead of Championship opener

Former Liverpool star returns to English football against Sheffield Wednesday

Hove into view: Sami Hyypia’s Brighton were chastened by a commanding Southampton display in a friendly last week (Getty Images)

Brighton and Hove Albion manager Sami Hyypia has spoken passionately about his hopes for the Seagulls this season as his new side prepare to take on Sheffield Wednesday in their Championship opener at the AMEX Stadium.

The former Bayer Leverkusen boss took charge of his first fixture on home soil during a 3-1 defeat to Southampton last week but Hyypia is optimistic for the future at his new club.

“I was there on Thursday but the stadium it wasn’t full, so hopefully on Saturday it will be packed and the atmosphere will be great," he told Brighton's official website.

“When the atmosphere is great, the players can give that extra 5%. It’s very important that we give the fans something they can be pleased and happy about.

“Sometimes you need the fans more in the bad moments than the good moments and I hope they will continue to support the team when we are not doing so well.”

The 40-year-old replaces Oscar Garcia at the AMEX and knows all too well that, despite losing £8m striker Leo Ulloa to Leicester City, he will be expected to lead a promotion charge this season.

“We have worked hard for the last six weeks and I am excited to get into the real business. I’ve enjoyed my time here and I come to work with a smile on my face every morning.

“I have a lot of ambition and my ambition is to win every game. I don’t think a lot about where we are in the table and my aim is always just to win the next game.

“I don’t want to set any targets, that we have to be top six or top two. I want the team to go into every game with a game plan and we need to try and win each time. Somebody will then count the points together in May to see where we end up.”