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

Slovenian football figures Aleš Čeh and Jan Mlakar have reflected on their careers and the current landscape of domestic football in separate interviews.

Former national team captain Aleš Čeh detailed his transition into coaching after retiring as a player. Following his playing career, Čeh spent over a decade working alongside former national team manager Srečko Katanec, which included seven years of coaching in Asia. He maintained strong ties to both Olimpija Ljubljana and Austrian side Grazer AK, while expressing continued respect for rival club NK Maribor.

Meanwhile, 27-year-old forward Jan Mlakar discussed returning to Maribor for a third spell. Looking ahead to the derby against Olimpija Ljubljana, the Ljubljana-born striker observed that while rival Olimpija is currently experiencing a crisis, high-stakes derby matches present struggling teams with an opportunity to regain momentum.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net