Slovenian football figures Aleš Čeh and Jan Mlakar reflect on careers and domestic derby dynamics

Former Slovenian international captain Aleš Čeh and forward Jan Mlakar have shared insights into their career trajectories and domestic football perspectives. Čeh, who skippered Slovenia's national team during its successful qualification era and later worked alongside former head coach Srečko Katanec in Asia for seven years, reaffirmed his affection for Olimpija Ljubljana while expressing high regard for NK Maribor.

Meanwhile, 27-year-old striker Mlakar has returned to NK Maribor for a third stint. Mlakar clarified that despite his Ljubljana origins, he was "never close to Olimpija." Looking ahead to the upcoming Slovenian derby, Mlakar remarked that although Olimpija "is in crisis, but in a derby it can only gain," underscoring his trust in Maribor's sporting management.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net