Former Slovenian figures share career insights ahead of Olimpija and Maribor derby

Ahead of the Eternal Derby between rivals Olimpija Ljubljana and Maribor, former Slovenian national team captain Aleš Čeh and Maribor forward Jan Mlakar shared perspectives on their careers and team rivalries.

Čeh, who captained Slovenia during its acclaimed international qualification era and subsequently spent over a decade as an assistant coach under Srečko Katanec, reaffirmed his deep ties to Olimpija and Austrian side Grazer AK, while expressing professional respect for Maribor. Meanwhile, Ljubljana-native Mlakar discussed his third return to Maribor's Ljudski vrt. Addressing his hometown roots, the 27-year-old forward clarified that he was never close to signing with Olimpija. Mlakar added that although Olimpija is currently dealing with internal challenges, derby fixtures give rival clubs a chance to reset their season.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net