Mikel Arteta uses environmental challenges to prepare Arsenal for Champions League matches
The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 11, 2026, 10:04 AM
Last updated Sep 11, 2026
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta employs specific conditioning tactics, including delayed pre-match meals and increased dressing room temperatures, to prepare players for unexpected disruptions. The approach aims to ensure squad readiness for adverse conditions during competitive play. This strategy was tested during the team's travel to Italy for a Champions League opener against Napoli. Although the squad's flight faced a five-hour delay and the pre-match press conference was canceled, the team overcame these obstacles. Martin Ødegaard scored the second-half goal that secured a victory for Arsenal in the match. The result marks the 13th consecutive league-stage success for the club in European competition.
- •Mikel Arteta deliberately manipulates dressing room temperature and meal timing to challenge players.
- •Arsenal traveled to Naples for a Champions League opener against Napoli.
- •A five-hour flight delay forced the cancellation of the pre-match press conference.
- •Martin Ødegaard scored the winning goal in the second half.
- •The victory represents the 13th straight league-stage win for Arsenal in Europe.
- 10:04 AMThe Guardian Sport — ‘Delay the meals’: Mikel Arteta reveals latest maverick Arsenal methods
"Manager wants players to cope with things going wrong Other tactics include making dressing room even hotter Mikel Arteta has revealed that he likes to set players challenges, such as delaying their meals before matches and making the dressing room hotter, to ensure they are fully prepared for any eventuality. Arsenal’s flight to Italy for their Champions League opener against Napoli this week was delayed for more than five hours, with Arteta forced to cancel his pre-match press conference after the squad arrived in Naples just before 10pm local time. The disruption proved no handicap as they made it 13 successive league-stage victories in Europe, thanks to Martin Ødegaard’s second-half winner. Continue reading...
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