I disrupted pre-season travel plans to prepare players - Arteta

What the report says

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said his side handled a midweek travel delay for their Champions League trip to Napoli because he had already tried to prepare them for disruption during pre-season. Speaking ahead of Saturday’s Premier League match at Sunderland, Arteta explained that he intentionally altered routines, transport and timing in training camps to make players more comfortable with unexpected changes.

The BBC Sport report said Arsenal arrived in Italy about three hours later than planned after air traffic control problems, but Arteta argued that the experience was less stressful because the squad had already practised coping with late arrivals, cancelled journeys and other setbacks. He said the aim was to reduce panic and encourage players and staff to adapt, use time productively and avoid treating delays as excuses.

Arteta also described other methods he has used to keep players alert and resilient, including changing meal times, routes to stadiums and the temperature of dressing rooms. The article notes this fits a wider pattern of unconventional motivational tactics at Arsenal, which the manager has previously used to build focus, morale and team unity. The approach is relevant because Arsenal face a demanding season with domestic and European fixtures, where travel and scheduling disruption can affect preparation.