Slovenian football figures reflect on careers ahead of Ljubljana derby

Former Slovenian international Aleš Čeh and striker Jan Mlakar have reflected on their careers and the domestic football scene ahead of the upcoming derby between NK Maribor and Olimpija Ljubljana. Čeh, who served as captain during Slovenia's historic qualification runs, discussed transitioning into coaching. He spent over a decade as assistant manager to Srečko Katanec, including seven years coaching in Asia, while maintaining strong affinities for Olimpija Ljubljana, Grazer AK, and NK Maribor.

Meanwhile, 27-year-old forward Jan Mlakar detailed his third tenure with NK Maribor at Ljudski vrt. Expressing confidence in club executives Zlatko Zahović and Darko Milanič, Mlakar addressed the upcoming clash against rivals Olimpija Ljubljana. He noted that although Olimpija is currently navigating a domestic crisis, high-stakes derby matches present struggling teams with an opportunity to reset their season momentum.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net