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Jure Matjašič spent a lone season with Sacramento Republic FC in 2018, the Slovenian a regular in the lineup before departing by mutual consent after the season.
Whether it was homesickness or something else, he returned to Slovenia in 2019, moving to NK Aluminij in the Slovenian top flight. The veteran was a regular across three seasons there, playing over 70 games and tallying six goals along the way.
But in January he was on the move, going to NK Celje, the reigning Slovenian champs.
Jure Matjašič: "Na zadnjem medsebojnem srečanju na Z'dežele nas je Celje v vseh segmentih igre nadigralo in zmagalo s 4:0. Zdaj sem v dresu, jutri se takoj podpišem pod enak scenarij." VEČ NA: https://t.co/IXPOdHcfO6⚽#DržavniPrvaki #MojeMestoMojKlub#GremoCele pic.twitter.com/hW4Ph223Rv
— NK Celje (@NKCelje) February 16, 2021
He’s still getting adjusted to his new club, making two appearances so far for Celje, which won their first-ever league title last season. But Matjašič is seen as a useful reinforcement, with Celje struggling mightily so far this year, as they sit just above the relegation zone at the moment. However, they beat the perennial power Maribor on Saturday 1-0, giving them a vital three points to get some space from the relegation zone.
So, perhaps it won’t be a repeat title challenge this season for Celje, but if Matjašič can get his bearings, help the club avoid relegation, maybe they can push on for a new challenge next season. But it appears the veteran is back enjoying the home cooking these days in his native land.
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