New Delhi, Sept. 12 -- Champions League has just returned and the regular football season kicked off in Europe just a few weeks ago. Even in a World Cup year, while league football started in late August, all clubs began their preseason preparations merely a week or two after Spain won the World Cup final in July. In India the Indian Super League returns in October but footballers are already back at their clubs busy with their preseason training. But, what exactly happens in a preseason at a football club?

"Pre-season is time to set the tactical principles, build the fitness base and create the team spirit and commitment for the rest of the season," says Bengaluru FC head coach Pep Munoz. It's critical because it is the only time of the...