Past ISL record
Fifth (2014), Semi-finalists (2015)
The big picture
Delhi Dynamos (DDFC) made some big-name signings in the first season in 2014, but none bigger than 2006 FIFA World Cup winner Alessandro Del Piero. The former Juventus attacker, though, had a minimal influence as DDFC came within a whisker of the playoffs -- their two away wins in the league stage was bettered only by Chennaiyin (CFC) -- but lost out by a single point to eventual finalists Atletico de Kolkata (ATK) and Kerala Blasters FC (KBFC).
Last year, they brought in Roberto Carlos as player-manager, and signed John Arne Riise and Florent Malouda, which added solidity at the back and also brought in flair into the midfield. Robin Singh was also signed for his maiden ISL season, and made an instant impact with a goal on debut in an away win in Pune. DDFC were one of the first teams to book a place in the playoffs this time, where they took a 1-0 home win against FC Goa but then were beaten 3-0 in the return leg despite dominating possession and creating their share of chances at the Nehru Stadium in Margao.
The boss
Gianluca Zambrotta had a long career as player, most prominently with Juventus, and also won the 2006 FIFA World Cup as part of Italy's defensive lineup. The 39-year-old doesn't have a lot of managerial experience under his belt, with two seasons at FC Chiasso in Switzerland, before taking over from Roberto Carlos this year. He is known to be a disciplinarian, and should prove to be a good influence on a young team at his disposal this year.
The marquee
Florent Malouda has had varied stints in the world of football, with extensive experience at Lyon as well as Chelsea in addition to the French national team, but most importantly he was one of the star performers last season. Malouda contributed to a fluent midfield performance -- there were some passages of play when DDFC would just not give possession away -- and together with FC Goa's Leo Moura, Malouda bettered the existing record for most assists in an ISL season. Malouda will have a bigger responsibility this year, as the core of the 2015 midfield is no longer part of the DDFC setup.
The other key players
DDFC were the only team in 2015 that qualified for the playoffs despite scoring less than 20 goals, but that was down to their solid defence, and three of the regular starters are back in the reckoning this year - Spanish goalkeeper Antonio Doblas, right-back Souvik Chakraborty and centre-back Anas Edathodika. This year they have gone in for replenishments in defence, particularly three new players from north-east India -- Aizawl FC's Lalchawnkima and Lalruatthara and Shillong Lajong's Chinglansana Singh. The midfield will have the influence of Real Madrid youth product Marcos Tebar, while Arjun Tudu comes into the attacking line without having ever played an I-League or ISL match in the past. Tudu, who plays for Services and the Army XI in domestic football, was summoned by national team coach Stephen Constantine for the India camp last December, and also helped Services retain the Santosh Trophy in March this year.
Opening match v Chennaiyin FC, Tuesday, October 6, Chennai