Slovenian football figures Aleš Čeh and Jan Mlakar reflect on careers

Former Slovenian national team captain Aleš Čeh and striker Jan Mlakar have reflected on their football careers and domestic league dynamics.

Čeh, who captained Slovenia during its prominent qualification era under manager Srečko Katanec, transitioned into coaching after retiring as a player. He served as an assistant to Katanec for over a decade, including a seven-year stint in Asia. While deeply connected to Olimpija Ljubljana and Austrian club Grazer AK, Čeh expressed respect for rival side Maribor.

Concurrently, 27-year-old forward Jan Mlakar has returned for a third spell at Maribor. Seeking his first PrvaLiga title with the club, Mlakar dismissed long-standing transfer rumors, stating, "I was never close to joining Olimpija." He added that despite Olimpija's recent internal difficulties, the Ljubljana club remains a formidable competitor in derby matches.

Sources: Siol.net, Delo