Kevin Kampl sees the RB Leipzig team as having made a decisive step forward compared to last season. “I notice that everyone wants to show something special, they are extremely clear and focused. The boys are up for it,” the 33-year-old told the “Mitteldeutsche Zeitung”. In the previous season, “we weren’t always at our maximum. We could have been even better.” Things feel different now, something has emerged in the summer.
Kampl did not want to classify the series of three wins from three competitive matches before the Bundesliga duel with 1. FC Union Berlin on Saturday (3.30 p.m./Sky) as a real run. “But I have to say, we are very solid right now, very clear about what we want. Many teams want to be at the top and achieve something, they are all at a similar level. The difference is then made by the mental state of the team,” said Kampl. Across the seasons, RB would have 16 competitive matches without defeat if they win or draw.
Blossomed like Kroos and Modric
Kampl has played his part in this. The defensive midfielder seized the opportunity created by Xaver Schlager’s injury and is a regular thanks to his good performances. He is at his best mentally. “As far as my experience and knowledge are concerned, I feel at my peak in the number six position,” said Kampl.
The former Slovenian international sees this as a kind of genesis in professional football. “Basti Schweinsteiger, Toni (Kroos), Luka Modric, they all blossomed again in their old age at number six,” emphasised Kampl. “In this position in particular, experience is so, so valuable. You need a lot of games to get there. Then you have an overview of what is happening around you, the confidence and the knowledge to be able to make the right decisions.” He is very much in tune with himself at the moment.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:240913-930-231331/1
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