Mikel Arteta has revealed that during preseason preparation, he intentionally delays transport and meal times, removes massage tables, and raises the temperature in the dressing room to test his players.

According to the Daily Mail, the Arsenal manager has previously drawn attention for his unconventional training methods, as he wants his squad to always stay one step ahead of their rivals.

Mikel Arteta is known for his creative use of training exercises; he has previously played "You'll Never Walk Alone" before Arsenal's 4-0 defeat to Liverpool in 2021, invited the club's dog to the training ground, and even hired pickpockets to keep players on their toes.

This week, Arsenal was affected by air traffic control disruptions, which caused thousands of flights to be delayed or cancelled. Mikel Arteta subsequently revealed his latest methods for testing players and staff.

Arsenal's trip to Naples for their first Champions League match was also impacted, but the team eventually arrived safely and won 2-0 against Napoli.

Mikel Arteta said: "I like these kinds of challenges, and I try to create them in preseason. That way, when they actually happen, we've already experienced them and know how to deal with them."

"So arriving at the stadium very late, disrupting their routine, players having to do something different. Because these situations can really happen: missed flights, train delays, traffic jams—it's all common. I don't want the players, especially the staff, to panic in those moments."

"When it happens, adapt. Okay, we have another two or three hours on the plane, how do we use this time? Play together, spend time together, or sleep."

"Use the time, but absolutely don't complain and definitely don't use it as an excuse, because that won't help at all."

Mikel Arteta further explained how he tested players and staff during this season's preseason, adding: "We did many things, such as delaying meals, delaying transport, and choosing different routes."

"We also did many other things, making the dressing room hotter, more uncomfortable, more difficult, and reducing the number of beds."

"I think these practices are necessary because we'll have to adapt to different conditions in the future, and we'll try to anticipate and prepare for them."

"But if there isn't this kind of unexpected event or pressure on match day, I think it's important."

Mikel Arteta's unconventional methods have previously raised eyebrows among some observers, but the Arsenal manager ultimately led the club to their first trophy in 22 years last season.

Currently, Arsenal sits joint top of the Premier League with Manchester City and will travel to Sunderland on Saturday evening.

Only Arsenal and Manchester City have maintained a perfect record through the first three matches of the league this season.

Переведено ИИ.

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