Mikel Arteta reveals surprise Arsenal plan to deal with travel disruption
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta revealed that he intentionally created travel and logistical challenges during pre-season to prepare his team for unexpected disruptions. This strategy aims to prevent player panic and encourage adaptability when facing real-world travel issues.
Why it matters
It provides insight into modern sports management techniques that prioritize psychological resilience and adaptability over rigid routine.
Mikel Arteta has revealed that Arsenal were prepared for this week's travel disruption – after he simulated unexpected delays by deliberately sabotaging their pre-match plans for certain games in pre-season.
Arsenal 's flight to Naples for their Champions League game against Napoli was delayed on Tuesday after the Premier League champions were caught up in the air traffic control issues in the UK .
Mikel Arteta had already planned ahead for Arsenal's travel disruption (PA)
There was widespread disruption due to a technical failure with the air traffic control system , which meant Arsenal's flight was delayed by several hours and caused Arteta's pre-match press conference to be cancelled.
But Arteta revealed that he had already sabotaged some of Arsenal's plans in pre-season so that the team had the experience of dealing with unexpected situations and finding ways to adapt to them.
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