Slovenian football figures reflect on career paths and club rivalries
Former Slovenia captain Aleš Čeh and striker Jan Mlakar have shared perspectives on their careers, coaching experiences, and ongoing club rivalries in domestic football.
Former national team captain Aleš Čeh and striker Jan Mlakar have provided insights into Slovenian football traditions and domestic rivalries. Čeh, who captained the national squad during their historic qualification era under head coach Srečko Katanec, transitioned into coaching and spent over a decade as Katanec’s assistant, including seven years working in Asia. Expressing affection for former clubs Olimpija Ljubljana and Grazer AK, Čeh maintained respect for rival side Maribor.
Concurrently, 27-year-old Ljubljana native Jan Mlakar has rejoined Maribor for a third spell at Ljudski vrt. Clarifying that he was "never close to signing" with hometown club Olimpija Ljubljana, Mlakar voiced confidence in Maribor's leadership under Zlatko Zahović and Darko Milanič, noting that derby matches give struggling clubs a prime opportunity to rebuild momentum.
Sources: Delo, Siol.net
Sources
Earlier coverage
- Oct 16, 2026, 12:00 PM UTCSlovenian football figures Čeh and Mlakar reflect on domestic league
- Oct 16, 2026, 06:30 AM UTCFormer captain Čeh and forward Mlakar reflect on Slovenian football careers
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- Oct 15, 2026, 11:30 PM UTCFormer Slovenian footballers reflect on career moves and domestic league dynamics
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- Oct 15, 2026, 12:00 PM UTCSlovenian football figures Čeh and Mlakar reflect on coaching and Maribor spells
- Oct 15, 2026, 06:00 AM UTCFormer Slovenian international figures Čeh and Mlakar share domestic football insights
- Oct 15, 2026, 05:00 AM UTCFormer Slovenian football figures reflect on coaching careers and Maribor rivalry
- Oct 15, 2026, 04:30 AM UTCSlovenian football figures Aleš Čeh and Jan Mlakar reflect on careers and domestic league
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