Kevin Kampl is entering his seventh season as an RB Leipzig player. In the lead up to the competitive season, our number 44 talks about his current form, our new arrivals and the clear goal that we’ve set for Saturday’s game in Munich.
We’re a big family at RB Leipzig.
Kevin Kampl on…
…the Supercup and the clash with FC Bayern
- “We’re really looking forward to the game. We’ve got the chance to win a trophy – and you don’t get that sort of chance very often. We therefore want to make the most of this opportunity. One thing is clear: We’re going to Munich to win.
Trips to Munich are always special – I can remember our 3-1 win there last season like it was yesterday. It’s a good feeling to win there and we want to do exactly that on Saturday.
Göz AtınObviously, we know that Bayern are a top team. They’ve prepared well and picked up some good new players, but we’re going into the game feeling good. Yes, we’ve got a lot of new players, but, over the course of our pre-season, we’ve worked really hard and got closer as a team. We’ve definitely not ironed out all the creases yet, however.”
…the Supercup and new arrivals
- “We’ve lost some great players and we’ve brought in some great players. Of course, the new players need time to get used to the environment and our way of doing things.
After the first week, I get the impression that the boys are well up for it. They’re giving their all and are eager to play for RB Leipzig, which is exactly what we need. We obviously know that there have been changes to the squad and that things need time, but we’ve got a great team and good depth in every position. I’m convinced we’re going to have a great season and achieve our goals.”
- I have already been part of a number of teams during my career, but we have special chemistry within the squad here at Leipzig. New players don’t tend to need much time to feel at home within the club. They are welcomed with open arms and every measure is taken so that they are able to integrate themselves smoothly within the squad. Therefore, I don’t have to take on any special role as an experienced player. Naturally, I make an effort with new players and support them where I am able to. But that is the case with everyone on the team. The positive energy that is so prevalent within our team is infectious and can also be directly felt by the new guys. You can feel it during training. The boys are immediately integrated and enjoy themselves. We are a big family here at RB Leipzig.”
Kevin Kampl on…
…his form and role within the team
- “I was able to take part in all of pre-season and I feel in super good shape physically. I have been part of the team for a few years now and will naturally try to lead from the front on and off the pitch.
I showed last season that I am ready to be called upon when needed. I am keen to once again demonstrate that this season and want to help the team when I am required.”
…Amadou’s Haidara’s injury
- “We were all very sad when we heard the news that he will be out for a couple of weeks. Doudou is an important player for us who has developed very nicely in the last couple of years. He is a witty character who is very important for the team and helps to entertain the group.
He has been in really good form recently and his absence in the first few weeks of the season will hurt us. However, we will make make up for that as a group. We have brought onboard a really promising talent in Nicolas Seiwald and then there is also Xaver and myself. We have a lot of quality in this position and will do a good job for Doudou.”
Kevin Kampl on…
…the new arrivals
- “They’re players who are keen to play and have loads of potential. They worked really hard in pre-season and showed that they have the right sort of mentality. I’ve been following Xavi for the past few years as he’s moved from Barcelona to PSG to PSV. Fabio Carvalho showed in last year’s friendly with Liverpool that he’s got a lot to offer with the ball at his feet.
We’ve been following Benjamin Sesko’s progress, of course. Like me, he comes from Slovenia. I was still impressed when I met him for the first time. He’s a giant and has a good physique. You might think he’d be a bit gangly, but he’s got great technique. He’s very quick and strong with the ball at his feet. When you’ve got players like him and Yussuf Poulsen down the middle, and David Raum and Benny Henrichs, who are so good at crossing, on the wing, it’s something that can make the difference in close games.”
…the reunion with Konrad Laimer
- “I am really looking forward to seeing him again. He’s a good guy who demonstrated his quality here over a number of seasons. We are very close friends and have already joked that one of us might end up on the ground after a heated challenge on Saturday. I wish him only the best for his new chapter. But on Saturday we are opponents and there are no exceptions there.”