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

Former Slovenian national team players Aleš Čeh and Jan Mlakar have shared insights on their football careers and the ongoing rivalry between NK Maribor and Olimpija Ljubljana.

Čeh, who captained Slovenia's national team and later served over ten years as an assistant to manager Srečko Katanec—including a seven-year stint coaching in Asia—expressed his deep affinity for Olimpija and Grazer AK while maintaining high respect for Maribor.

Meanwhile, 27-year-old forward Jan Mlakar has returned to Maribor for his third spell at the club. Dismissing rumors regarding his hometown club, the Ljubljana native stated he was "never close to joining Olimpija." Addressing the forthcoming eternal derby, Mlakar noted that despite Olimpija's current form struggles, "in the derby they can only gain."

Sources: Delo, Siol.net