Slovenian football figures Čeh and Mlakar reflect on rivalries and careers

Former Slovenian national team captain Aleš Čeh and striker Jan Mlakar have reflected on their career paths and the dynamics of domestic football. Čeh, a prominent leader of the national team during head coach Srečko Katanec's era, transitioned to coaching after retiring, spending over a decade assisting Katanec, including seven years working in Asia. Despite his strong ties to Olimpija Ljubljana and Austrian club Grazer AK, Čeh expressed enduring respect for rival club Maribor.

Meanwhile, 27-year-old Ljubljana native Jan Mlakar has rejoined Maribor for a third spell at Ljudski vrt. Mlakar dismissed rumors surrounding hometown club Olimpija, stating he was "never close to signing" with them, while expressing confidence in Maribor's management team of Zlatko Zahović and Darko Milanič.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net