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

Former Slovenian national team captain Aleš Čeh and striker Jan Mlakar have offered insights into their careers and the state of Slovenian domestic football. Čeh, who led Slovenia during Srečko Katanec's managerial tenure, transitioned into coaching after his playing career, spending over a decade as Katanec's assistant across various roles, including seven years coaching in Asia. Despite his past ties to Olimpija Ljubljana and Grazer AK, Čeh voiced strong respect for rival club NK Maribor.

Meanwhile, 27-year-old forward Jan Mlakar has returned to NK Maribor for a third tenure in pursuit of his first league championship with the team. Expressing trust in Maribor leadership figures Zlatko Zahović and Darko Milanič, Mlakar remarked that despite Olimpija's ongoing crisis, the capital side remains dangerous in head-to-head derby matchups.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net