Slovenian football veterans reflect on careers and Olimpija-Maribor rivalry
Former national team captain Aleš Čeh and striker Jan Mlakar have reflected on their careers and the enduring rivalry between Olimpija Ljubljana and Maribor.
Slovenian football figures Aleš Čeh and Jan Mlakar have shared insights into their careers and the historic rivalry between Olimpija Ljubljana and Maribor.
Former national team captain Aleš Čeh, who served over a decade as an assistant to manager Srečko Katanec—including a seven-year stint coaching in Asia—reaffirmed his deep affection for Olimpija and Austrian side Grazer AK, while emphasizing his professional respect for Maribor.
Concurrently, Ljubljana-born forward Jan Mlakar has rejoined Maribor for a third spell. Addressing his roots, the 27-year-old stated that he "was never close to Olimpija" and expressed full confidence in Maribor's leadership. Mlakar noted that although Olimpija is currently undergoing a crisis, derby matches provide struggling teams an opportunity to reset their momentum.
Sources: Delo, Siol.net
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Earlier coverage
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