Slovenian club football is chasing a record, familiar faces predict: Viler on Celje’s karma, Črnigoj believes that everyone can succeed

Published on 24. August 2024 24. August 2024

Text: David Klemenc. Photo: Vid Ponikvar / Sportida

Thursday, eagerly anticipated by many Slovenian football fans, brought not only answers but also more questions. After the first halves of three European matches, the Slovenian results were as follows: two defeats and a draw in the so-called “neighboring derby.” Opinions on the performances of Olimpija, Maribor, and Celje were shared by some former and current figures in Slovenian football.

It is impossible to discuss Slovenian clubs in Europe without mentioning the record holder for appearances, former Maribor hero Mitja Viler. “Given the performances, Ljubljana has the best chances. Despite the defeat in Sweden, Maribor has an active result, especially at the hellish Ljudski vrt. As for Celje, karma might strike them, and I think they are the most precarious. We will definitely have one club in Europe, two could still happen, but the chance for three teams in European autumn is minimal,” believes Mitja Viler.

Domen Črnigoj: “Why not all three?!

Domen Črnigoj, a player for Italian Serie A team Venezia, believes we can look forward to the return legs. “I watched the Olimpija game. In the first half, the Rečani dominated, but I was quite impressed with the second half, as Olimpija looked like a class above. As for Maribor, the full Ljudski vrt will be a strong advantage. I didn’t watch the Celje game, but I followed the Sunday derby in Ljubljana, where it showed that they are a team that, if things go their way, should not have problems. I wouldn’t be surprised if we had at least two representatives in Europe this autumn. Why not all three?! That would be a huge boost for our club football,” emphasizes Domen Črnigoj.

Slovenian football would not be the same without the opinion of legendary libero and regular observer Marinko Galić. “Based on what I saw from the first games, I give the most chances to Olimpija, followed by Maribor, as the Swedes showed very poor play. I didn’t watch the Celje game, but based on recent performances and catastrophic results, things don’t look good for them. Generally, our teams played very poorly in the first matches, so it’s hard to predict the return legs. Meanwhile, we have the Slovenian derby, which could significantly affect preparations for the return European matches,” says Marinko Galić.

Rodolfo Vanoli: “The chances are high”

Former Olimpija coach Rodolfo Vanoli, who has lived in Slovenia for 12 years, certainly says he will be cheering for his former players. “Olimpija will and must advance. Against Rijeka, they showed in the second half that they are simply the better team. Celje and Maribor played poorly, but they play their return legs on home turf, which is a nice advantage. The opponents are of high quality, but Djurgarden and Pjunik are not teams that can be spoken of in superlatives. The chances that all three of our teams extend their European season are high,” says Rodolfo Vanoli.

When we mention “Koroški Maradona,” it is not surprising that the legendary Samo Vidovič shares his opinion as well. “I haven’t watched any of the games because I was in Premantura. Everyone has a chance for advancement, but currently, no one shows particularly high quality. Olimpija seems to be the best under the Spaniard’s guidance. Celje with Riero is poor, and Maribor is also not very strong this year. Barišić was in Koper for the national team, and he hasn’t found his place in Maribor yet. If he finds his form, he will be a great reinforcement,” says Samo Vidovič.

Amir Agić: “They gave up their best”

Former Olimpija star Amir Agić, who is said to have taught the great Edin Džeko how to play football, shares his thoughts: “Of course, my Olimpija has the best chances. As for Celje… Given the state of the club and the fact that they have given up, in my opinion, their best player, Denis Popović, I think the Armenians are the favorites. For Maribor, it will be crucial to score an early goal, which will make things easier. I wish all three of our teams good luck and hope they succeed,” concludes Agić, who has played 230 games in the Prva liga Telemach, including impressive performances for Sarajevo’s Željezničar.

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We also knocked on the door of one of Slovenia’s most football-oriented families, the Prašnikar family. Son Luka, who continues in his father’s footsteps, says: “I’m enjoying a well-deserved holiday and managed to see only the last 20 minutes of Olimpija. I must admit they looked very good, although their goal was disallowed. The results for Maribor and Celje are not the best, but they are not impossible either. As a big patriot, I hope, believe, and cheer for something that a few years ago seemed like science fiction – three of our clubs in the group stage of a European competition. I will likely watch the return game in Stožice on an invitation from my friend Antonio Delamee Mlinar,” says Luka Prašnikar.

Also living in the Prašnikar household is one of Europe’s top female footballers, member of the German giant Eintracht Frankfurt, Lara Prašnikar, who adds: “When time permits, I enjoy watching the games of our teams. If not, I always check online for highlights and statistics. To avoid overthinking, I’ll just say – come on, Slovenians! I would be proud if we succeed; I think everyone involved in and following these clubs deserves it.”