Slovenian football figures Čeh and Mlakar reflect on careers and league rivalry

Former Slovenian national team captain Aleš Čeh and striker Jan Mlakar have provided reflections on their careers and the domestic PrvaLiga.

Čeh, who captained Slovenia during its international qualification era under manager Srečko Katanec, transitioned into coaching after retiring as a player. He served as Katanec's assistant for more than a decade, including a seven-year tenure coaching in Asia. Despite his long-standing ties to Olimpija Ljubljana and Austria's Grazer AK, Čeh highlighted his ongoing respect for rival club Maribor.

Meanwhile, 27-year-old forward Jan Mlakar has rejoined Maribor for a third spell, targeting his first league title with the team. Mlakar addressed past transfer rumors regarding a potential move to Ljubljana, stating, "I was never close to joining Olimpija." He added that despite Olimpija's recent organizational challenges, derby matches remain highly competitive.

Sources: Siol.net, Delo