Slovenian football figures reflect on club loyalty and derby dynamics

Former Slovenian national team captain Aleš Čeh and forward Jan Mlakar have shared perspectives on domestic football rivalries and career milestones. Čeh, who led the national team during its celebrated era under head coach Srečko Katanec, reflected on his transition to coaching. He spent over a decade assisting Katanec, including seven years working in Asia, while maintaining respect for rival Maribor alongside his affection for Olimpija Ljubljana and Grazer AK.

Meanwhile, 27-year-old Ljubljana native Jan Mlakar has returned to Maribor for a third spell at Ljudski vrt. Addressing rumors, Mlakar stated that he was "never close to signing" with his hometown club, Olimpija Ljubljana. He expressed trust in Maribor’s leadership team of Zlatko Zahović and Darko Milanič, adding that upcoming derby matches offer struggling teams an ideal opportunity to regain momentum.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net