In football, it's not just about the physical game—it's also about the mental one. Coaches have long used psychological tactics to give their teams an edge over opponents. These can range from subtle tricks, like adjusting the height of goalposts or the color of walls in the dressing room, to more direct methods, like moving advertising boards to prevent long throw-ins. The goal is to create an environment that unsettles the opposing team and gives your own players a psychological advantage. These tactics are not always straightforward, and sometimes they can backfire, as seen in the case of Wimbledon's "Crazy Gang" in the 1980s, who famously left visiting teams without hot water. However, footballers generally don’t shower until after a match, which made the tactic somewhat pointless. Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, has made a name for himself with his unconventional methods. Known for once hiring pickpockets to steal players’ belongings during a team dinner to teach them about focus and vigilance, Arteta has now taken his psychological tactics to the dressing room. He deliberately creates disruptions by adjusting the thermostat, delaying meal and transport times, and even making massage beds disappear. These actions are meant to prepare his players for unexpected challenges, such as flight delays or traffic, by exposing them to mild stressors in training. While some may criticize these tactics as over-the-top or unnecessary, others argue that if they help the team win, then they are worth the effort. Arteta's approach was put to the test recently when Arsenal's flight to Naples was delayed, causing the team to miss their pre-match press duties. While the delay was attributed to a widespread air traffic control issue affecting hundreds of flights across the UK, it’s hard not to notice the irony. Arteta’s methods, though seemingly minor, may have prepared his players for such situations. Meanwhile, the players were likely in a more relaxed state, waiting in a business lounge for their flight, rather than panicking in a crowded terminal. In other football news, Fenerbahce's head coach Ismail Kartal announced his resignation following a 1-1 draw against Roma in the Bigger Cup. The decision came after a fan threw a bottle at the coach during the match. However, the club's president, Aziz Yildrim, later suggested that Kartal might return, stating that he and the coach had a "family" relationship and that the coach was still under pressure. This leaves the future of Kartal's coaching position uncertain, as the situation remains fluid.