‘Delay the meals’: Mikel Arteta reveals latest maverick Arsenal methods

Arteta has a reputation for his innovative methods having previously employed pickpockets during pre-season training camps

METHOD TO MADNESS: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta on the touchline at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

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.