Slovenian football figures reflect on club rivalries and career moves

Former Slovenian national football team captain Aleš Čeh and striker Jan Mlakar have provided reflections on their careers alongside insights into domestic club dynamics. Čeh, who served as an assistant coach to Srečko Katanec for over a decade—including a seven-year stint in Asia—reaffirmed his passion for Olimpija Ljubljana and Austria's Grazer AK while expressing strong respect for NK Maribor.

Meanwhile, 27-year-old forward Jan Mlakar has returned to NK Maribor for a third spell. Despite being born in Ljubljana, Mlakar stated that he was "never close to Olimpija" and expressed confidence in Maribor's leadership. Previewing the upcoming derby, Mlakar remarked that while Olimpija "is in crisis, but in a derby it can only gain," underscoring the unpredictable nature of the match.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net