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

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

Čeh, who spent over a decade assisting manager Srečko Katanec across Europe and Asia, reaffirmed his affection for Olimpija Ljubljana and Austria's Grazer AK, while expressing professional respect for Maribor.

Meanwhile, 27-year-old forward Jan Mlakar has rejoined Maribor for his third spell with the club. Despite his Ljubljana roots, Mlakar stated that he "was never close to Olimpija" and voiced trust in Maribor's leadership under Zlatko Zahovič and Darko Milanič. Discussing the derby, Mlakar observed that although Olimpija is experiencing an internal crisis, derby matches allow struggling teams a chance to reset their season.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net