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

Former Slovenian national team captain Aleš Čeh and forward Jan Mlakar have provided updates on their respective career paths in domestic football.

Čeh, a prominent figure during Slovenia's qualification era under former manager Srečko Katanec, reflected on his transition into coaching. Having spent more than a decade as an assistant coach—including seven years working in Asia—Čeh discussed his affection for Olimpija Ljubljana and Austrian side Grazer AK, while emphasizing his continued respect for rival Maribor.

Concurrently, 27-year-old forward Jan Mlakar highlighted his third return to Maribor. Expressing full confidence in club management under Zlatko Zahovič and Darko Milanič, Mlakar previewed the upcoming derby against Olimpija. He noted that despite Olimpija navigating an internal crisis, derby matches remain inherently unpredictable, leaving the opposition with little to lose.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net