Hyypia confident Leverkusen can triumph in Berlin

Sami Hyypia remains confident that Bayer Leverkusen can get past this season’s surprise package Hertha Berlin on Saturday.

Leverkusen are level on points with Borussia Dortmund in third place, with leaders Bayern Munich four points clear at the top.

Hyypia, who took sole control of the club during the close season, has led his side to nine victories in 12 league games and believes they can continue that form in the capital.

Hertha were promoted back to the top flight last season and have started the new campaign well, with five wins leaving them in seventh position before the international break.

They have won four of their six home matches but Hyypia is confident his side have got the potential to send them to defeat.

“Yes obviously it will be a difficult game,” he said. “But we have to approach the game with confidence in order to go there, play well and take the points back home with us.

“We are lucky because all of our players have returned without injury from their international duties, that’s very important. Now we have two days to prepare for the game.”

Midfielder Simon Rolfes backed his manager’s comments and predicted a victory over the impressive Hertha side.

“It will be a difficult game,” he said. “Not a lot of people would have predicted that Hertha BSC were going to be in such a good position in the league table but it was similar with (Eintracht) Frankfurt last year.

“Berlin at home will have the support of their euphoric fans. We will have to be ready.

“We want to win there and whether the final score is 5-4, 6-4 or 1-0, that makes no difference.”