Slovenian football figures Čeh and Mlakar reflect on careers and rivalries

Former Slovenian national football team captain Aleš Čeh and forward Jan Mlakar have offered insights into their careers and domestic club rivalries. Čeh, who spent over a decade as an assistant coach under Srečko Katanec—including seven years in Asia—expressed ongoing affection for Olimpija Ljubljana and Grazer AK while maintaining high respect for NK Maribor.

Meanwhile, 27-year-old striker Jan Mlakar has rejoined NK Maribor for a third spell. Born in Ljubljana, Mlakar clarified that he was never close to joining Olimpija and voiced confidence in Maribor's sporting management. Ahead of the upcoming derby, Mlakar observed that although Olimpija is currently going through a challenging period, derby matches are notoriously unpredictable and present an opportunity for teams to turn their momentum around.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net