Slovenian football figures reflect on careers ahead of Eternal Derby

Former Slovenian national team captain Aleš Čeh and Maribor forward Jan Mlakar have reflected on their careers and domestic football rivalries ahead of the Eternal Derby between Olimpija Ljubljana and Maribor.

Čeh, who captained Slovenia during its qualification for major tournaments and spent over a decade as an assistant coach under Srečko Katanec, expressed a strong connection to Olimpija and Austrian club Grazer AK while noting his respect for Maribor. Meanwhile, Ljubljana-born forward Mlakar detailed his third stint with Maribor, clarifying that he was never close to signing with his hometown club. Mlakar remarked that although Olimpija is currently experiencing internal struggles, derby fixtures offer competing teams an opportunity to reset their season.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net