Former Slovenian captain Čeh reflects on career as Mlakar previews derby

Former Slovenian national team captain Aleš Čeh and striker Jan Mlakar have shared perspectives on their careers and the domestic football scene.

Čeh, who captained Slovenia during manager Srečko Katanec's tenure and spent over a decade as his assistant coach—including seven years working in Asia—reflected on his coaching trajectory. Despite strong ties to Olimpija Ljubljana and Austrian club Grazer AK, Čeh emphasized his ongoing respect for rival club Maribor.

Meanwhile, 27-year-old Ljubljana-born forward Mlakar discussed his third stint with Maribor. Expressing confidence in club management under Zlatko Zahovič and Darko Milanič, Mlakar previewed the upcoming derby against Olimpija. He noted that although Olimpija is currently navigating a period of internal crisis, derby matches are inherently unpredictable, leaving the opposition with little to lose.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net