With Hyypia now set to concentrate solely on regaining his masterful form of past years, he insists that his successor can now reach a new level of performance as Liverpool captain.
Hyypia said: "I believe that captaincy will bring Gerrard to a new level. He's young and talented English player, who has a great future ahead of him. He's a great lad on and off the pitch.
"There was nothing dramatic over changing the captain. I didn't say anything because it was the manager's decision and I respect that.
"Being captain in England is not an easy job because it demands lot from you, even outside the ground. I am the same lad whether I have the armband or not.
"I am not happy about our start to the season. We have to play better and we will do that. If the change of captain helps, then it's a good decision. I feel relief now that I can get used to the idea that I am not captain anymore and I don't feel myself as a worse player because I don't have the armband anymore."