Former Liverpool FC manager Jurgen Klopp made a lively appearance at the Hout Bay United Football Community (HBUFC) 10th anniversary fundraiser, bringing his signature charisma and humour to the Cape Town event.
Jurgen Klopp talks beer and banter in Hout Bay
Klopp, a long-time patron of the community-driven football club, attended the fundraiser at Bay Harbour Market, where he interacted with excited fans, shared stories, and helped raise funds for the club’s development programs.
Upon his arrival, the atmosphere was electric, with fans breaking out into Liverpool chants and applause.
Security had their hands full as supporters surged forward, hoping to snap a selfie or exchange a few words with the legendary coach.
Between answering questions from both fans and media, Klopp casually sipped on a Castle Lite, joking:
“In Germany, when you get offered a beer, you can’t say no.”
The audience roared with laughter, enjoying his relaxed and candid approach.
When asked about life after managing Liverpool, Klopp admitted that while he enjoyed his time in the spotlight, he sometimes wished for a bit of anonymity.
“Not every day is a good day to be Jurgen Klopp,” he quipped.
“I would love to go out and nobody recognise me. I would love to get pssed somewhere and nobody recognise me.”*
The night wasn’t just about football talk and banter, though. The event featured a live auction of exclusive memorabilia, with all proceeds going towards HBUFC’s initiatives to support local youth players.
Klopp’s involvement in the fundraiser has been instrumental in securing financial backing for the club, which aims to keep young footballers away from negative influences by providing structured training and development programs.
Klopp’s admiration for Cape Town and his football legacy
Klopp has been a passionate supporter of HBUFC since 2017, frequently using his influence to generate funding and exposure for the club. His latest visit comes at a time when his former club, Liverpool FC, is closing in on a historic 20th English league title under new manager Arne Slot.
Despite his departure from Anfield at the end of the 2023/24 season, Klopp remains a beloved figure among Liverpool fans worldwide. While he hasn’t yet returned to Anfield, he hinted at making an appearance at the club’s victory parade should they clinch the Premier League title.
The former Liverpool boss also spoke about his long-standing rivalry with Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola and expressed a desire to share a drink with him once both managers have stepped away from football.
“It’s difficult in this business with playing every three days to become friends with managers,” Klopp explained.
“I always had the sense that if Pep is not in charge anymore and I’m not in charge anymore, we would have a proper night together.”
For now, Klopp seems to be enjoying his time away from the dugout, and his visit to Hout Bay is another indication of his lasting impact—not just in football, but also in uplifting communities through his generosity and passion for the game.