Hyypiä delivers Reds wake-up call

Liverpool FC defender Sami Hyypiä is demanding a more dynamic approach from his team-mates when they take on Olympique de Marseille in the UEFA Champions League at Anfield on Wednesday.

'Sloppy start'

Unknown quantity
Veteran campaigner Hyypiä, who turns 34 on Sunday, is wary of the threat posed by Marseille, particularly with Belgian coach Erik Gerets taking over last week following the departure of Albert Emon. Hyypiä said: "I think Marseille have some good players in their side and they have a new manager now. He has had some time to work with the team because they didn't play at the weekend. It's difficult for us to know how they will play ... maybe he has brought something new."

Heroes return
Old Anfield acquaintances Djibril Cissé and Boudewijn Zenden could line up for Marseille, but the Finnish international will resist the temptation to get over-familiar with former colleagues until the job is done. "Of course it is nice to see them again, but for 90 minutes we have to forget the friendship and they are just opponents like anybody else," he said. "I think they are going to get a good reception from our fans and hopefully we can play a good game."

UEFA Cup woe
Marseille will have happy memories of their last trip to Anfield, a 1-1 draw in the 2003/04 UEFA Cup, as they went on to beat the Premier League club 3-2 on aggregate. Hyypiä is eager to even the scores this season. The centre-back said: "Marseille had some quality players, especially [Didier] Drogba. He played very well against us and I think he decided the games for Marseille. We didn't get through but, of course, I hope the tie will be different this time."