Klopp surprised at home by defibrillator champion

Jurgen Klopp was happy to support the Missed a Beat Foundation

A fundraiser for defibrillators has had a dream encounter with the outgoing manager of his beloved Liverpool football club.

Mark Preston, from Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, was stunned to be allowed into Jurgen Klopp's garden by his wife.

Mr Preston had made a speculative visit in the hope of thanking Klopp, and assistant Pep Lijnders, for previous donations of memorabilia to the Missed a Beat Foundation.

"He’s the most genuine man I've ever met in my life," he said.

Mr Preston was determined to place as many defibrillators in his home town as possible after the death of his friend Darren Scott.

The 40-year-old suffered a cardiac arrest while playing for Mr Preston's football team, Newton Aycliffe Cobblers Hall Over 40s, in 2022.

The efforts of Mr Preston and the local community have resulted in scores of new defibrillators in the town, funded in part by items he gained from Klopp and Lijnders on a previous visit to Liverpool FC.

'Ulla said it's ok'

Mr Preston wanted more time to thank the management duo and to explain how their donations help in County Durham.

He paid a return visit to the North West and was pointed to Klopp's home by locals.

After Mr Preston explained over the intercom why he wanted to meet the manager, the remote-controlled gate was opened into the garden, where he met Klopp's wife, Ulla.

Mr Preston was further astonished to be invited back an hour later.

"What an amazing lady," he said.

"She was so interested in the charity. Half an hour later she says 'I need to go and get Jurgen to speak to you.'"

Within minutes, Mr Preston was speaking and posing for pictures with Klopp, who is leaving Liverpool after almost nine years.

The unusual circumstances were not lost on the outgoing manager.

Mr Preston explained: "He said, 'I don't know how you got in my garden, but it’s ok because Ulla said it’s ok. And she's the boss. No problem, Mark.'"

He left with more signed memorabilia to sell for the charity.

He added: "What you see on the TV with Jurgen Klopp - if you times that by one hundred plus, that's what the man’s about."