The Finland international joined was signed from Liverpool this summer, signing a two-year contract with the Bundesliga side.

Leverkusen missed out on a place in Europe this season, but Hyypia claims they should be able to qualify for next season, which could well be the 35-year-old's last in professional football.

"Everybody wants to play in Europe and that has got to be the minimum aim of Leverkusen," he said.

"Everything is very tight in the top half of the Bundesliga. Bayern Munich are right at the top, but then there are eight or nine sides who are on the same level.

"It is going to be interesting. For a team like Bayer Leverkusen, it is important to be playing in Europe every season."

After a disappointing season for Liverpool in which he made only 12 starts, Hyypia is hoping his move to Leverkusen will allow him to play more regularly.

He has been first-choice under coach Jupp Heynckes so far in pre-season, but the experienced defender knows he cannot take anything for granted.

"It is now up to me to make the coach pick me," he told Kicker magazine.

"I played too little last season, but my aim is to play often; every week if possible."