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

Former Slovenian international captain Aleš Čeh and striker Jan Mlakar have reflected on their careers, coaching transitions, and domestic club rivalries in recent interviews.

Čeh, who captained Slovenia's national team during its qualifying successes under Srečko Katanec, detailed his decade-long coaching partnership with Katanec, which included seven years working across Asian football. He reaffirmed his affinity for Olimpija Ljubljana and Austrian side Grazer AK, while expressing continued respect for rival Maribor.

Separately, 27-year-old Ljubljana native Jan Mlakar addressed his third return to Maribor as he seeks his first league title with the club. Mlakar dismissed past rumors of a transfer to hometown rivals Olimpija Ljubljana, clarifying he was "never close" to joining them. He noted that despite Olimpija's current internal difficulties, derby fixtures remain inherently unpredictable.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net