Slovenian football figures Čeh and Mlakar reflect on national careers and derby ties

Prominent Slovenian football figures Aleš Čeh and Jan Mlakar have offered insights into their careers and the domestic landscape ahead of the Ljubljana-Maribor derby.

Former national team captain Čeh reflected on his transition to coaching following a decade as an assistant under manager Srečko Katanec, which included seven years working in Asia. Čeh highlighted his deep connections to Olimpija Ljubljana and Grazer AK while maintaining respect for Maribor.

Meanwhile, 27-year-old forward Mlakar discussed returning to Maribor for a third spell. Expressing strong confidence in executive leadership under Zlatko Zahovič and Darko Milanič, Mlakar noted that while rival Olimpija is enduring a crisis, derby matches remain inherently unpredictable.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net