Slovenian football figures reflect on careers ahead of Maribor-Olimpija derby

Former Slovenian national football team captain Aleš Čeh and forward Jan Mlakar have reflected on their respective careers and the state of domestic football ahead of the rivalry match between NK Maribor and Olimpija Ljubljana.

Čeh, who led Slovenia during its qualification for major international tournaments, discussed his transition into coaching. Following his playing career, he spent over a decade as an assistant to manager Srečko Katanec, including seven years working in Asia.

Meanwhile, 27-year-old striker Jan Mlakar detailed his third tenure with NK Maribor. Expressing trust in club management, Mlakar noted that while rivals Olimpija Ljubljana currently face a domestic crisis, high-stakes derby fixtures often offer struggling teams an opportunity to rebuild momentum.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net