In the last couple of days Slovenia’s national football team played two World Cup qualification matches at the Stožice stadium. It beat Slovakia (1:0), and then also won a huge point against England (0:0). A day after Tuesday’s match against England, the coach was a guest in the popular TV sports show hosted by Anže Bašelj.
The circumstances surrounding Kampl’s absence from the team were the main topic of discussion. "Destructive reporting by the media created this problem. Your TV house was also a part of it. For me there was really no problem. But that also probably motivated and stimulated our players even more. They came together to prove that no player can be above the team. It certainly gave them some additional energy. I was surprised over Kampl’s cancellation to come, but not disappointed. However, receiving a text message at 9 a.m. on the first day of our preparations, while I was drinking my coffee, that one of our key and most important players will not be with us, is of course stressful," said Katanec.
"The public statement issued by the players was given out once they read Kampl’s statement that many of them arrive at the national team gatherings injured and tired but are afraid to say it. This kind of thinking is absolutely wrong, and that’s Kevin’s big mistake. It was a move an individualist makes. You have to be part of the group, there has to be synergy, even if you’re tired or have a broken leg, you have to show up for your teammates to see you. That’s team spirit," coach Katanec continued to say.
Regarding Kampl’s future in the Slovenian national team, Katanec explained: "We’ll talk with Kevin and the players will say yes or no. They will have to make the first decision. Regarding our talks with our other players I think there won’t be any problems. I know that Kevin did indeed have fatigue problems, but certain media houses wanted to shed bad light on the coach and say he wasn’t normal, did not know how to communicate, and so on. Kevin’s a good kid, but has lately had some physical problems and maybe even some other family problems. I know that something was happening, but I won’t say anymore about that."
