In the second half of the 2014/2015 season, Kevin Kampl played for Borussia Dortmund. The midfielder returns to his old place of work with RB Leipzig on Saturday evening (6:30 p.m.) and is looking forward to the special atmosphere at Signal Iduna Park.
“I’m very happy, it’s always great to play in Dortmund. It’s an absolutely amazing atmosphere there,” said Kampl in an interview with “Ruhr news“.
The BVB stadium is sold out for the first time in 763 days. 81,365 spectators are expected at the top game.
“When I played for BVB, I really had goosebumps at my first home game, especially in front of this impressive wall. That was something very special,” Kamp recalled and emphasized: “The whole team is looking forward to the atmosphere. That are highlights that you won’t soon forget.”
Nevertheless, the Leipziger warned his team: “From my time in Dortmund I know that the fans can wear one and are like a twelfth man. That’s extreme in Dortmund, the fans love their club and their stadium. That’s something very special in Germany .”
Kampl moved from RB Salzburg to Borussia Dortmund in January 2015. But the midfielder could not assert himself with the black and yellow. He was sold on to Bayer Leverkusen the following summer.
“It was short and intense in Dortmund, but it’s still special because you have this bond,” said Kampl, looking back at the duel.
“You never forget that”
What Kampl remembers most is his first game in the Champions League against Juventus Turin. “It’s an event that will of course stay in your head throughout your career,” said the 31-year-old.
But bad memories lingered too. Like the 2015 cup semi-final, where Kampl saw a yellow-red card after being substituted on against FC Bayern. “You never forget that. I was banned in the final and we got a slap, that was bitter,” said the Slovenian.