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

Former Slovenian national team figures Aleš Čeh and Jan Mlakar have shared perspectives on their careers and the state of domestic football.

Čeh, who captained the national team during its prominent era under manager Srečko Katanec, reflected on his transition to coaching. Following a playing career with ties to Olimpija, Maribor, and Austria's Grazer AK, Čeh spent over a decade as Katanec's assistant, including seven years coaching in Asia.

Meanwhile, 27-year-old forward Jan Mlakar discussed his third return to Maribor ahead of the eternal derby against his hometown club, Olimpija. Mlakar noted that despite Olimpija's recent operational struggles, derby matches remain inherently unpredictable and the opposition "can only gain" from such fixtures. He also expressed trust in Maribor's sporting management.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net