Sami Hyypia Says Brendan Rodgers’ System Makes Liverpool Hard to Play Against

Sami Hyypia believes Liverpool's style of play under Brendan Rodgers will make it one of the toughest teams to beat in the Barclays Premier League this season.

The Kop legend watched on as his Bayer Leverkusen side were dismantled 3-1 by the Reds in a friendly contest at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.

Afterwards, Hyypia conceded Liverpool had made it difficult for his players — but he doesn't think the Germans will be the last team to leave L4 having endured a hard afternoon.

"Liverpool played very well today," Hyypia told reporters. "He [Rodgers] has changed the face a little bit and created a new system which is difficult to play against.

"It is good to be back, but I came here to win the game. It was a friendly so the most important thing was to prepare the team for the season, which starts in a week's time.

"Of course, from defeat you can't take that much self confidence for the season, but there were a lot of good things in the game today.

"Time will tell [if Liverpool will be successful], but I hope so. Since I left, I've always hoped Liverpool will do well — and hopefully this season they will."

Hyypia was given a warm reception by Liverpool fans as he returned to Anfield for the first time in an opposing capacity since leaving the club in 2009 after 10 years of sterling service.

"I have always had a good relationship with the fans and they were great today, as always," he added. "I am grateful I had the chance to come back here."

Photo via Liverpoolfc.com