In the space of just two months and three days, head coach Alexandre Guimarães completely changed the fortunes of Mumbai City FC. A club which was associated with inconsistency and a leaky defence was transformed into one which finished on top of the table and kept a staggering nine clean sheets. If the Costa Rican can pull off such a feat in a little more than 60 days, then this year's Hero Indian Super League -- which is exactly two months longer than the earliear seasons -- will give him and other head coaches time to impart their ideas on their squads in a more effective manner.

"I think this season,there will be enough time for recovery, preparation and even try different styles. A longer league means every manager will have more time to impart their ideas to their team and know players better," he said.

Guimarães is the only returning head coach, unless you count Albert Roca, who was in charge of Bengaluru FC when the club was part of the Hero I-League last season. But while Guimarães didn't bat an eyelid before accepting the offer to coach in Mumbai for one more year, FC Goa midfielder Bruno Pinheiro said that a longer season was the biggest reason in his return to India. Pinheiro played for the Gaurs in the first season and is back after a two-year gap.

"One of the main reasons for me agreeing to come back is the extension of the league. The biggest advantage of this is for the players, who need time to recover and a longer season means better performances," the Portuguese said.

Chennaiyin FC manager John Gregory didn't mince words while discussing the lengths of the previous Hero ISL editions.

"I remember seeing the fixture lists from previous seasons and there was a point where Chennaiyin played three games in six days. That was too much to ask for from players. As for training drills, I won't do anything different compared to England, where Championship clubs play 46 games in 38 weeks along with (midweek) cup games as well. But a longer league gives coaches and players enough to know each other," the 63-year-old said.