Kevin Keegan Remembered by HSV Teammates

Keegan’s Impact at Hamburger SV

Following the announcement of Kevin Keegan’s passing, German publication Kicker sat down with former Hamburg teammates to recount the Englishman’s Bundesliga years. The magazine labels his first turbulent season at Hamburger SV, followed by two successful campaigns, as a case of “love at second sight.” These recollections paint a vivid picture of a player who quickly became a cultural icon in north Germany.

One striking episode from 1977 shows Keegan’s blunt personality. During a meeting with manager Günther Netzer, he reportedly blurted, “Just so you know, I want out of here!” In a separate drill, an errant shot sent head coach Branko Zebec sprawling, and Keegan also recorded a novelty song titled “Head over Heels in Love” while in Hamburg.

Voices of Former Teammates

Horst Hrubesch described Keegan as an unforgettable talent. “No one was like Kevin,” Hrubesch recalled. “If he didn’t exist, you’d have to invent him. He was the Bundesliga’s first pop star, hungry for football and constantly inventing new games. You’d see him shooting balls through fence holes and into trash cans on the walk back to the locker room.” His story highlights how Keegan turned every training session into a showcase.

Bernd Wehmeyer emphasized Keegan’s approachable nature. “He came as a global star, yet never turned down a fan’s autograph request,” Wehmeyer said. “The idea of workload management never crossed his mind; he gave 100 percent in every drill.” This perspective underscores Keegan’s humility despite his fame.

Wild Side: Keegan’s Training Pranks

Wehmeyer also recounted a moment when Keegan’s overactive enthusiasm cost him a coach’s temper. “He knocked the coach over like a railroad crossing gate,” Wehmeyer remembered. “We all held our breath, expecting a storm, but Zebec just gave him a stern look.” The teammate joked that the coach might have been far harsher with anyone else.

Another legend involved a daring forest bet. “He bet us all he could drive a ball from the hotel terrace into the woods,” Wehmeyer explained. “No one knew what he meant, but he left training, drove home, grabbed a golf club, and launched the ball deep into the forest.” Such stories illustrate Keegan’s playful streak and his unbridled passion for the sport.