Vacation over, it's all work: Kean Lewis

PUNE: FC Pune City's new signing

Kean Lewis

says an extended Indian Super League will force the franchises to become financially prudent but it will also make the matches more competitive than before.

The

ISL

, which has seen an increase in the number of teams from eight to 10 for the upcoming season, is expected to be played over five months, starting from mid-November.

"I think there will be budget cuts because of a longer league. It might not be feasible for clubs to rent out five-star hotels all the time," said Lewis. But he also talked about the positive impact the fourth edition of the ISL is likely to have.

"It won't have the three-month vacation feeling like the previous editions as there will be more focus. A lot more players will get a chance to play as injuries and fatigue take their toll."

Lewis, born in Thane, will be back playing in Maharashtra after almost a decade. In that time, he has played for the Under-23 side of MLS outfit Houston Dynamo, Mohun Bagan in the I-League and

Delhi Dynamos

in ISL season 3. "It's a very warm feeling that I'll be getting to play in front of my family and friends. I'm very excited to come back and play in Maharashtra," he said.

"From Houston, Delhi and Kolkata I've finally made my way back to where I started. I won't feel far away from home now."

A vital part of the most lethal attack in the ISL last time out, Lewis is confident of adding a new dimension to an FC Pune City side which has always struggled for goals.

"Pune have seen something that they like in my style of play. I like to play a short and quick game instead of long balls and playing backwards, so hopefully I can bring a bit of pace and trickery to the team," he said.

The Stallions have a mixture of experience and youth at their disposal but most of them will be playing in the ISL for the first time. Lewis however, dismissed the notion that this could affect the team significantly.

"A lot of players including me had not played in the ISL before last season. So, I think playing in the league for the first time will drive the players to give their best," he said.

"As both the leagues are being held simultaneously, players don't really have the option of saying they could always play in the I-League if they don't do well in the ISL."

Lewis, who reached the semi-finals with Delhi last season, will be hoping to go at least one better this time and in that process give the FCPC fans something to look forward to.