Former Slovenian captain Aleš Čeh and Jan Mlakar reflect on football careers

Former Slovenian national team captain Aleš Čeh and forward Jan Mlakar have offered perspectives on their careers and domestic club rivalries in recent interviews.

Čeh, who captained Slovenia during the national team's golden generation under Srečko Katanec, discussed his transition into coaching. After retiring as a player, he spent over a decade as an assistant coach to Katanec, including seven years working in Asia. Čeh highlighted his affinity for Olimpija Ljubljana and Austrian side Grazer AK while maintaining respect for Maribor.

Separately, 27-year-old Ljubljana native Mlakar addressed his third stint with Maribor. Expressing trust in former leadership under Zlatko Zahovič and Darko Milanič, Mlakar noted that despite ongoing challenges at rival club Olimpija, upcoming derby matches remain unpredictable opportunities for struggling teams.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net