I disrupted pre-season travel plans to prepare players – Arteta
Mikel Arteta says Arsenal were ready for their midweek Champions League flight delay because he deliberately disrupted their training and travel plans in pre-season to prepare them. The Premier League champions were affected by air traffic control issues as they travelled to Italy to face Napoli on Wednesday. They eventually arrived three hours behind their […]
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta intentionally disrupted his team's pre-season training and travel plans to prepare them for potential disruptions during the midweek Champions League flight to Italy against Napoli. The team was delayed by air traffic control issues, arriving three hours behind schedule. Arteta believes that experiencing such challenges beforehand makes the team more adaptable and ready for the unexpected on matchdays.
He employs various tactics, such as delaying meals or transport, taking different routes to grounds, and creating uncomfortable conditions in the dressing room. These methods, which he has used in the past, help reduce stress and surprise for the players when disruptions occur during games. Arteta's approach includes unexpected measures like bringing a light bulb into the dressing room to encourage energy and focus, as well as employing professional pickpockets during a team dinner as a lesson in staying alert.
In 2023, he even introduced a dog named Win to boost team morale, emphasizing the importance of unity and teamwork.
Written by urgent.news from Adom Online's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
