Former Slovenian internationals Čeh and Mlakar reflect on careers and domestic derby

Former Slovenian national team figures Aleš Čeh and Jan Mlakar have reflected on their football careers and the current landscape of domestic football in Slovenia.

Čeh, a former national team captain under manager Srečko Katanec, transitioned into coaching after playing for clubs including Olimpija, Grazer AK, and Maribor. He served as Katanec's assistant for over a decade, spending seven years working in Asian football.

Meanwhile, 27-year-old forward Jan Mlakar has returned to Maribor for a third spell. Despite being born in Ljubljana, Mlakar expressed confidence in Maribor's sporting structure and addressed the rivalry with his hometown club, Olimpija. He noted that although Olimpija currently faces operational difficulties, traditional derby matches remain highly competitive and unpredictable regardless of form.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net