Mikel Arteta and Jack Wilshere have defended Steve Bruce after he lost his job at Newcastle.
The newly taken over Magpies have decided to part ways with the 60-year-old as they embark on a new era at the club.
Although he managed to finish 12th and 13th in the Premier League over the last two seasons – respectable positions that kept the northeast outfit comfortably adrift from the relegation zone – Bruce ’s style of play has come under constant criticism from Newcastle fans.
Despite the takeover, this season has been even more difficult on the pitch, as Newcastle have taken just three points from their first eight games in the Premier League. Possibilities of relegation are very real, and unfortunately, the relationship between the fans and Bruce turned sour.
In an exclusive interview with the Daily Telegraph, Bruce said: "I think it might be my last job. It has been very, very tough.
“To never really be wanted, to feel that people wanted me to fail and saying I would fail, that I was useless, a fat waste of space, a tactically inept cabbage head."
Now, in response to how Bruce is feeling after having his contract terminated, Arsenal manager Arteta and ex-Gunners midfielder Wilshere, have defended Bruce, and it’s fair to say that they haven't been impressed by how he’s been treated in recent weeks.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Arsenal's clash with Aston Villa on Friday, Arteta said: "Well I was really sad after reading that statement from Steve.
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"You’re talking about someone that’s been in the game over 40 years that has managed over 1000 games and he’s telling you with that experience that he struggled with that kind of abuse so I think we have to accept.
"We can’t take for granted that things are the way they are, no we are here to improve them and change them. I think we have to think about one of the most experienced managers in English history is telling you something. For me it’s a very serious statement and we have to change that."
Nevertheless, the Gunners boss doesn't want the blame placed solely on fans, and instead wants football to find a better solution to the issue.
"No we cannot blame the fans guys. We cannot say ‘no it’s only the fans’. Football is an industry that is so big that it has such an impact on society and everybody has an opinion and it’s great.
"To have a strong opinion and these strong opinions about what you see and how people act, you don’t have to study. You don’t even have to be able to play football. You just give a strong opinion and that’s it. "
Meanwhile, Wilshere, who has been training with Arteta's team as he continues his search for a new club, has also been shocked by how Bruce has been treated.
“Absolutely disgusting the way this guy has been treated,” he posted on his Instagram, via Reddit.
“Yes he may have had some bad results but he is a human being with family and kids. In an era where we are encouraging people to talk about mental health this is unacceptable.
“This man still has a lot to give in the game but doesn’t want to because of abuse!? How can that be right?
“Top top manager who deserves respect.”
