AP

ZURICH (AP) — Swiss club Zurich says coach Sami Hyypia is leaving, one day after the 12-time champions slumped to last place in the league.

Hyypia's team was whistled and jeered Wednesday after losing 4-0 at home to Lugano, which rose above Zurich by two points with three games left.

Zurich says in a statement it regrets the development but it was in the club's best interests.

Hyypia leaves despite leading Zurich to the Swiss Cup final, to be played against Lugano on May 29 at its home stadium.

The former Liverpool and Finland defender was appointed in August after Zurich was eliminated from the Europa League.

Hyypia's coaching career started at Bayer Leverkusen, where his playing career ended in 2011 after he spent 10 seasons at Liverpool.