The seventh edition of India’s top-flight is set to begin in Goa on November 20 – a month later than the usual start date – but many players face race to be fully fit for a hectic campaign. Owing to the coronavirus-enforced lockdown in the country, domestic footballers were forced to sit on the sidelines for about half-a-year. 

“We know that our pre-season is short. If you look at the Champions League, Premier League and La Liga, a lot of players are getting injured. All ISL teams will be facing such problems, but we are paying attention to details. The example for us is Europe,” Spaniard Juan told reporters during a virtual press conference on Friday. 

“In the last five months, a lot of Indian players couldn’t train much. They had so much time away from competitive football. But, everyone in the squad has to be ready when the season starts,” added 39-year-old Juan, successor of Sergio Lobera. 

Unlike the previous two editions that had a couple of off-days every week, ISL 2020-21 – to be organised entirely in Goa across three venues – will have matches coming thick and fast. There will be six double-headers in the first 11 rounds, with the league taking a break only for Christmas and New Year. 

Talking about the fixture list, Juan said: “We will have a lot of games in the next three months. The local players have come back after a gap of six to seven months. It is important to work well with the medical staff because some players may not be ready for three matches in a week. So, it is necessary to prepare a ‘Plan B’.” 

Because of the prevailing circumstances, the country’s first division will be hosted in front of empty stands. To ensure safety, players, support staff, management members, the organising committee, etc., will remain in a bio-secure bubble until the conclusion of the event. 

“It is strange. I have been talking constantly with my players. We are staying in the hotel and training for the season ahead. That is better than being at home. It is a very difficult situation, but we will find solutions for it,” the manager gave his thoughts.