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

Former Slovenian national team captain Aleš Čeh and forward Jan Mlakar have reflected on their career paths and the state of domestic club football.

Čeh, who captained Slovenia under manager Srečko Katanec, discussed his transition into coaching. Following more than a decade as Katanec's assistant—including seven years working in Asia—Čeh expressed affection for former clubs Olimpija Ljubljana and Grazer AK while emphasizing his respect for rivals NK Maribor.

Meanwhile, 27-year-old striker Jan Mlakar spoke about returning to NK Maribor for a third spell as he targets a league championship. Commenting on rivals Olimpija Ljubljana, Mlakar acknowledged their recent internal difficulties while warning that form is unpredictable in derby matches, noting that "in a derby they can only gain."

Sources: Delo, Siol.net