Slovenian football figures Čeh and Mlakar reflect on coaching paths and Maribor returns

Former Slovenian national team figures Aleš Čeh and Jan Mlakar have reflected on recent career milestones and the current landscape of domestic football. Čeh, the former captain who led Slovenia during manager Srečko Katanec’s tenure, discussed his transition to coaching following a decade as Katanec’s assistant, including seven years working across Asia. Čeh reaffirmed his ties to former clubs Olimpija Ljubljana and Austrian side Grazer AK, while emphasizing his continued respect for rival NK Maribor.

Meanwhile, 27-year-old forward Jan Mlakar has completed a third return to NK Maribor, seeking his first Slovenian league title at Ljudski vrt. Mlakar expressed trust in Maribor's leadership under Zlatko Zahovič and Darko Milanič. Looking ahead to upcoming derby matches against Olimpija Ljubljana, Mlakar cautioned that despite Olimpija's recent internal crises, the capital city club remains a dangerous opponent.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net