Arteta tests Arsenal with deliberate setbacks before Sunderland

Mikel Arteta deliberately exposed Arsenal to a travel delay to Naples, causing the team to arrive late for the Champions League duel with Napoli and even miss the press conference; he explains that such setbacks should teach the players to stay calm, just before Sunderland is on the agenda.

Earlier this week Arsenal, due to a significant flight delay, was only expected late in Naples for the Champions League duel with Napoli, causing the press conference to be missed. The delay gave the team little time to prepare for the match.

Arteta, the Spanish manager, explained during the press conference: “I love that kind of challenge and tried to create it in preparation. If it actually happens, we know what to do and the players and staff do not panic.” He emphasized that such situations are a test of mental strength.

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Despite the chaotic journey the Gunners won 0‑1 against Napoli; Martin Ødegaard scored the only goal in the second half. The result showed that Arteta’s approach worked under pressure.

Deliberate setbacks in preparation

Arteta tells that he sometimes postpones meals, makes the team take a different route, makes the dressing room warmer and provides fewer massage beds, so that players get used to circumstances where not everything goes according to plan. He added that even a two- or three‑hour delay on the flight is used to strengthen team spirit. Ahead of Saturday’s Premier League match against Sunderland, Arteta wants to use the built‑up resilience so that players do not panic when faced with unexpected setbacks during the league game. The coach believes that the preparation forms the basis for a consistent performance.

According to the coach everything revolves around preventing excuses; by simulating stressful situations in advance, he hopes Arsenal stays calm when the real match begins. He concludes that a calm response is the key to success at every level.