Mikel Arteta deliberately disrupts pre-season routines, including altering transport schedules, delaying meals, and creating uncomfortable dressing room environments, to prepare his players for unforeseen matchday challenges. The manager stated that he enjoys these scenarios and intentionally replicates them during training so the squad is prepared when they occur in competitive fixtures.
This approach follows a three-hour flight delay Arsenal experienced due to air traffic control issues while traveling to Italy for a Champions League match against Napoli. Arteta has previously employed other unconventional methods to influence his squad, such as bringing a dog named Win to the training ground, using a light bulb to encourage energy, and hiring professional pickpockets to steal from players during a team dinner.
Arsenal returns to domestic action on Saturday, September 12, 2026, with a Premier League match against Sunderland scheduled for 20:00 BST.