Slovenian football figures reflect on club loyalties ahead of Maribor and Olimpija derby

Former Slovenian national team captain Aleš Čeh and Maribor forward Jan Mlakar have offered insights into their career paths and club loyalties ahead of the upcoming derby between rivals Olimpija Ljubljana and Maribor.

Čeh, who captained Slovenia's national team and spent over a decade working as an assistant coach under Srečko Katanec, highlighted his long-standing connection to Olimpija while emphasizing his professional respect for Maribor. Meanwhile, Ljubljana-born Mlakar addressed his third return to Maribor, clarifying that despite his hometown origins, he was never close to joining Olimpija. Assessing the upcoming fixture, Mlakar noted that although Olimpija is navigating an internal crisis, the derby setting offers the rival club a chance to turn its season around.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net