Slovenian football figures Čeh and Mlakar reflect on careers and derby dynamics

Former Slovenian national team captain Aleš Čeh and striker Jan Mlakar have reflected on their career trajectories and developments in domestic football. Čeh, who skippered Slovenia's "golden generation" under manager Srečko Katanec, detailed his post-playing career as an assistant coach, which included seven years working in Asia alongside Katanec following stints with Olimpija, Grazer AK, and Maribor.

Meanwhile, 27-year-old forward Jan Mlakar discussed returning to Maribor for a third spell. Despite his Ljubljana roots, Mlakar stated he was "never close to Olimpija" and addressed the rivalry ahead of their upcoming match. He noted that while local rival Olimpija faces recent challenges, derby dynamics remain unpredictable, giving the opposing side "only something to gain" in the fixture.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net