Slovenian football figures Čeh and Mlakar reflect on careers and club rivalries

Prominent Slovenian football figures Aleš Čeh and Jan Mlakar have shared insights into their careers and their involvement in the domestic rivalry between NK Maribor and Olimpija Ljubljana.

Former national team captain Čeh reflected on his playing days and subsequent coaching career, during which he served over a decade as assistant to Srečko Katanec, including seven years in Asia. Despite his strong ties to Olimpija and Austria's Grazer AK, Čeh expressed enduring respect for Maribor.

Meanwhile, 27-year-old forward Mlakar discussed returning to Maribor for a third stint. The Ljubljana-native stated he was "never close to Olimpija" and voiced trust in club leadership under Zlatko Zahović and Darko Milanič, noting that derby matches offer struggling teams an opportunity to regain momentum.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net