India, Feb. 13 -- "We are trying to get six weeks of pre-season work into three." Sharing his experience with Jamshedpur FC where he is back on a two-season deal, Owen Coyle was speaking for most Indian Super League (ISL) teams. "But the good thing is that football starts to get played again. We must ensure that this never happens again." This time, Coyle, 59, was speaking for everyone connected with India's top tier: players, staff, fans and the All India Football Federation (AIFF). "Can't wait," said Mohun Bagan Super Giant's Dimitrios Petratos.

Teething problems remain. As late as Thursday, two days before the double-header starts in Kolkata and Goa, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) had to call an emergent executive committee ...