Mikel Arteta reveals how he ‘sabotaged’ Arsenal’s pre-season preparations

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that he deliberately “sabotaged” his team’s pre-season preparations by disrupting travel plans, delaying meals and making dressing-room conditions more difficult, according to the Telegraph. Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League campaign, Arteta explained that the unusual methods were designed to prepare his players and staff for unexpected problems such as flight delays, traffic and last-minute changes on matchdays.

The Spaniard said he wanted the squad to experience stressful situations before they occurred in competitive fixtures, encouraging them to adapt rather than complain or panic. Arsenal experienced significant travel disruption before their Champions League trip to Italy to face Napoli earlier this week, making Arteta’s approach particularly relevant. The manager has regularly used unconventional methods during his time at the club, including unusual training exercises and music designed to recreate different matchday environments.