Former Slovenian internationals reflect on careers ahead of domestic derby
Former Slovenian players Aleš Čeh and Jan Mlakar reflect on their careers and views on NK Maribor and Olimpija Ljubljana ahead of the derby match.
Former Slovenian national team captain Aleš Čeh and striker Jan Mlakar have reflected on their football careers and the upcoming derby between NK Maribor and Olimpija Ljubljana.
Čeh, a key figure in Slovenia's qualification for major international tournaments under former manager Srečko Katanec, transitioned into coaching following his retirement. He spent over a decade assisting Katanec, including seven years coaching in Asia. Despite his ties to Olimpija Ljubljana and Austrian club Grazer AK, Čeh expressed enduring respect for Maribor.
Meanwhile, 27-year-old forward Mlakar has returned to NK Maribor for a third stint. Though born in Ljubljana, Mlakar stated he was "never close to Olimpija" and voiced confidence in Maribor's leadership under Zlatko Zahović and Darko Milanič. He noted that derby matches provide struggling rivals a chance to reset their form.
Sources: Delo, Siol.net
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