Kevin, you've been in Leipzig for three months. How do you assess the start of the season for RB?
Kevin Kampl: I think we've had a great start to the season. We didn't know how it would work out with playing in the different competitions but we've mastered the challenges very well so far. We're second in the table and we managed to win at Dortmund, which really is a big achievement. We're on the right track.
You were with the Werkself for the pre-season and the first two league matches. How do you rate Bayer 04 – how closely do you follow what's happening at Leverkusen now?
Kampl: Of course, I follow what's happening at Bayer Leverkusen; I have a lot to thank the club for and I wore the 04 shirt for 14 years. I think the team has rediscovered the old form and the quality is definitely there. I'm convinced they'll have a good season – Bayer 04 are definitely better than the ninth place they currently occupy.
Are you looking forward to meeting your former team-mates?
Kampl: Indeed, I'm looking forward to meeting them and many other people. As I said, I was part of this club for so long that I know nearly all the people who work there, including those who perhaps aren't in the immediate circle of the team
Who do you have most contact with?
Kampl: Karim Bellarabi.
It looks to us like you have a more defensive role at Leipzig then you did with the Werkself. Does that suit you?
Kampl: I can and I like playing in different positions in midfield and I try to do my best for the team. There's a different approach at Leipzig and the number eight can be a more attacking player – it always depends on the type of player alongside you. Now I think a bit more defensively but I'm not a different player.
How do you think the game will turn out on Saturday? How can you pose a threat to the Werkself?
Kampl: It will definitely be an exciting game played at high tempo. Two teams face each other that like to play a pressing game and have great footballers in their ranks. Of course, I hope it will be an attractive and entertaining match – above all for the spectators. We'll definitely need to produce a top performance to get a result; Leverkusen are unbeaten at home up to now.
You've trained and played alongside most of them for a long time. Which Werkself player do you think will pose the most problems?
Kampl: I can't really say as none of the opponents are that friendly (he laughs). but I'm looking forward to coming back and to the game in a very familiar stadium.
After Jens Nowotny was officially named a Bayer 04 honorary captain last weekend, the long-standing Werkself player is part of the Leverkusen delegation on the trophy tour to New York City next week from 11 to 14 September. In an interview with bayer04.de, the 50-year-old talked about his expectations ahead of the trip to the metropolis on the East Coast of the USA.
Show moreThe German Football League (DFL) has confirmed the dates and kick-off times for matchdays 6 to 12 of the 2024/25 Bundesliga season. Full details of the Bayer 04 fixtures.
Show moreMarkus Rehm, a long jumper at TSV Bayer 04 Leverkusen, won the gold medal for the fourth time in succession at the Paralympics on Wednesday.
Show moreThe fixture details for the second round of the DFB Pokal 2024/25 have been confirmed. The home tie for Bayer 04 against second division SV 07 Elversberg is on Tuesday, 29 October with the kick off at 18.00 CET (live on Sky). That was announced by the German Football Association (DFB) on Thursday.
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