Scandal in Bled, part two: last year a Croatian footballer got into a fight, this year he wanted to stay overnight, now he's been kicked out of the team

The first week under the guidance of Darko Milanič has been marked by positive energy within the NK Maribor squad. The team entered the second week of their preparations following several personnel changes and the return of Zlatko Zahovič and Darko Milanič to the club's offices. According to reports from NK Maribor, there is a strong sense of positivity around the Ljudski Vrt stadium. The focus on the field remains solely on achieving good preparation and starting the domestic league season, which will see the violet-clad team play three preparatory matches.

Milanič, who took charge as the new coach, expressed satisfaction with the current state and the response from the players. He noted that the team is still getting to know each other but emphasized that the players deserve praise for their commitment and dedication. They are working with the right level of intensity and concentration, eager to understand the coach’s vision. Milanič highlighted that even the youngest members of the squad are keeping up with the rhythm of training and everything is proceeding according to plan.

In addition to the return of Behar Feto and Miho Blažič, two new additions to the team, Milanič mentioned that the club is expecting further transfers. Discussions have already taken place regarding the potential arrival of Jan Mlakar, who could become the third member of the Mlakar family at NK Maribor. Meanwhile, the intense training sessions of the national champions will be interrupted on Wednesday when they face an international preparatory match against Bulgarian side FC CSKA 1948 Sofia. This match, although closed to the public, will be available online for fans.

From Thursday, the Maribor squad will move to their traditional summer base in Moravskih Toplice. Milanič explained that this period involves a large workload and that facing matches will provide specific responses, helping identify areas where the team excels and where improvements are needed. The team will face another challenge on Saturday, July 4th, against a fourth-placed team from the Serbian league, FK Železničar from Pančevo.

This week presents an opportunity for all players currently in full work mode to demonstrate their abilities. The extended stay in the Prekmurje base will contribute significantly to building cohesion within the team. Milanič emphasized the importance of spending more time together to gain a clearer overall picture and to connect quickly. The goal is to showcase individual quality through the strength of the team.

The team will return to Ljudski Vrt on July 10th, where a general meeting and the first chance for supporters to support the team under Milanič's leadership will take place. On that day, the Ljudski Vrt will host Charlton Athletic, a former Premier League team that finished 19th in the Championship last season.

Meanwhile, Marcos Tavares, who remained in NK Maribor after his playing career in various roles, has left the Ljudski Vrt following the arrival of Zlatko Zahovič. As reported by Ekipa24, the Brazilian had long considered coaching and enrolled in a coaching school. The club has arranged for him to undergo practical training as an assistant coach at Ilirija, a second division team based in Ljubljana. This partnership between Ilirija and NK Maribor serves as a platform for developing young Maribor players. With both Karanović and Jelić returning to Ljudski Vrt, Ilirija now needs to appoint a new head coach, with Sanel Konjević being one of the main candidates.

On the other hand, a scandal erupted involving Marko Livaja, a Croatian footballer who was once among the most promising talents in the country and played for Inter Milan. Despite representing Croatia from 2018 to 2023, he did not fully realize his potential. Known for getting into controversies, Livaja recently faced issues during a night celebration after Croatia's victory over Ghana in the World Cup. The Uruguayan coach Gonzalo Garcia sent all players back to bed, but Livaja refused to comply, leading to a conflict. After mediation by sports director Robert Graf, Livaja had to leave the camp and return home to Split. His future with the club remains uncertain.