Slovenian football figures Čeh and Mlakar reflect on careers and domestic league ties

Former Slovenian national team figures Aleš Čeh and Jan Mlakar have reflected on their footballing journeys and current dynamics within Slovenian club football. Čeh, the former national team captain, detailed his transition into coaching after working as an assistant to Srečko Katanec for over a decade, including a seven-year stint in Asia. While maintaining deep ties to Olimpija Ljubljana and Austrian club Grazer AK, Čeh expressed enduring respect for NK Maribor.

Concurrently, 27-year-old forward Jan Mlakar discussed his third tenure at NK Maribor, where he remains focused on securing his first domestic league title. Mlakar highlighted his trust in club leadership under Zlatko Zahović and Darko Milanič. Addressing rumors, the Ljubljana-born player clarified that he was never close to joining hometown rivals Olimpija, noting the club's ongoing operational instability.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net