Mumbai, Feb. 19 -- Mumbai City FC has not played a competitive match since December 4. It has been an anxious few months for Indian football, as the All India Football Federation (AIFF) struggled to get the Indian Super League underway. Within that delay though, head coach Petr Kratky found the time to "reset and reflect." "I reviewed the previous phase, analysed performances and worked on planning," he told HT. "It was also important for me to recharge." Controlling the controllable was the mantra despite the months of uncertainty. But now the team is set to play its first match of the season on Thursday, at the Andheri Sports Complex against Chennaiyin FC. "At the end of the day, we all love football," he said. "Training is great but matches are what we work for. There is a real excitement to play again." After the long pause between this season and last, players assembled in Mumbai for the pre-season camp on January 12. The challenge, Kratky said, was to get the players into some kind of rhythm. "Match sharpness is something you can't fully replicate in training so that is a concern for everyone but the players came back in good condition. We expect it may take a game or two to reach full rhythm but we will be competitive from the start." The mood in the camp ahead of their opening game is upbeat. "(Everyone is) very focused. The players are hungry to compete again. There is a strong sense of togetherness and responsibilities. Everyone understands the importance of starting well."...