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

Former captain Aleš Čeh and striker Jan Mlakar have reflected on their careers and the trajectory of Slovenian domestic football in recent interviews.

Čeh, who captained the Slovenian national team during its successful qualification campaigns under manager Srečko Katanec, discussed his transition into management. After retiring as a player, he spent over a decade as an assistant to Katanec, including seven years coaching in Asia, while maintaining strong connections with former clubs Olimpija Ljubljana, Maribor, and Grazer AK.

Meanwhile, 27-year-old forward Jan Mlakar detailed his third return to NK Maribor, expressing trust in club leadership under Zlatko Zahović and Darko Milanič as he pursues a domestic title. Mlakar addressed his career choices, clarifying that he was never close to joining hometown club Olimpija Ljubljana, despite their ongoing difficulties.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net