Former Slovenia captain Čeh and striker Mlakar reflect on football careers

Former Slovenian national team captain Aleš Čeh and forward Jan Mlakar have provided reflections on their respective footballing careers and the state of the domestic league.

Čeh, who skippered Slovenia during their qualification for major tournaments under Srečko Katanec, discussed his transition into coaching following a playing career with clubs including Olimpija, Grazer AK, and Maribor. He subsequently spent over a decade assisting Katanec, including a seven-year stint in Asia.

Separately, 27-year-old striker Jan Mlakar discussed his third stint with Maribor. Despite his origins in Ljubljana, Mlakar clarified that he was never close to joining hometown rivals Olimpija. Ahead of the upcoming eternal derby, Mlakar noted that despite Olimpija's current form, derby matches remain unpredictable and their opponents "can only gain" from the fixture.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net