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

Former Slovenian national team captain Aleš Čeh and forward Jan Mlakar have provided insights into their respective careers and the domestic football landscape. Čeh, who captained Slovenia during its prominent era under manager Srečko Katanec, spent over a decade as Katanec’s assistant coach, including seven years in Asia. Despite his strong ties to Olimpija Ljubljana and Austrian club Grazer AK, Čeh emphasized his continued respect for rivals NK Maribor.

Meanwhile, 27-year-old Ljubljana native Jan Mlakar has returned to NK Maribor for his third stint with the club. Aiming to secure his first league championship with the team, Mlakar expressed confidence in key Maribor figures Zlatko Zahović and Darko Milanič. Addressing the upcoming derby against Olimpija Ljubljana, Mlakar noted that despite Olimpija's ongoing institutional challenges, the rival squad remains dangerous in head-to-head competition.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net