Bruce abuse was awful. This type of pressure is making potential managers turn down jobs, and it will only get worse. We have to make changes NOW

MIKEL ARTETA is angry about levels of abuse which he claims are driving top young talent out of football management.

The Arsenal boss, who has been under intense pressure himself at the Emirates, believes the time has come to bring in real change.

Arteta spoke out following Steve Bruce’s exit at Newcastle after he revealed the relentless attacks from Magpies supporters had taken their toll.

And the Spaniard believes that was a real warning to make potential managers think twice about taking jobs.

When asked if the constant hounding creates fear, Arteta said: “Yes, a lot of people think like that. I hear a lot have fear when they are doing the courses, that they doubt they want to take the hot seat, that it is better to be an assistant or something else.

“And I have experienced managers ringing me and they are thinking about not doing it any more.”

Arteta’s experience and credentials to take charge of a big club like Arsenal has constantly been questioned and tonight’s game against Aston Villa is another important one because a loss would drop the Gunners below the visitors into 13th place.

And he says the response from Bruce (below) to his sacking is a huge wake-up call.

“I was really sad after reading that statement from Steve because I know him personally, and because of his words,” said Arteta.

“You’re talking about someone who has been in the game for over 40 years as a player and manager.

“He’s managed 1,000 games and he is telling you, with all of his experience that he struggles with that kind of situation, with that kind of abuse.

“You can’t just ignore that, so, for me, it’s something that has to change.

“Football has such a big impact in society, everyone has an opinion.

“You don’t have to study or even have to be able to play football.

“You can just give a strong opinion and be convinced about what you see and judge how people act. This cannot be the barrier, because you have fear about the treatment you are going to receive.”

ARSENAL: Ramsdale, Tomiyasu, White, Gabriel, Tierney, Partey, Saka, Odegaard, Smith-rowe, Aubameyang, Lacazette

ASTON VILLA: Martinez, Konsa, Tuanzebe, Mings, Cash, Mcginn, Luiz, Buendia, Targett, Watkins, Ings

REFEREE: Craig Pawson