Slovenian football figures Aleš Čeh and Jan Mlakar reflect on careers and Maribor rivalry

Former Slovenian national team captain Aleš Čeh and forward Jan Mlakar have reflected on their football careers and the ongoing rivalry between Slovenian clubs NK Maribor and Olimpija Ljubljana.

Čeh, who led the national squad during its prominent era, transitioned to coaching after retiring as a player. He spent over a decade as an assistant to head coach Srečko Katanec, including seven years coaching in Asia. Despite his affinity for Olimpija and Austria's Grazer AK, Čeh expressed enduring respect for Maribor.

Meanwhile, 27-year-old Ljubljana native Jan Mlakar explained his decision to rejoin Maribor for a third stint. Mlakar noted that he was "never close to Olimpija" despite his hometown roots. He reiterated trust in Maribor's leadership, specifically Zlatko Zahović and Darko Milanič, highlighting that upcoming derby matches offer teams a chance to regain form during challenging periods.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net