David Unsworth was highly critical of his players following Everton's 5-1 defeat - at home - to Atalanta on Thursday night.
Unsworth made nine changes to the side which drew 2-2 with Crystal Palace at the weekend. Even that factor does not mitigate for what was a humiliating Everton defeat. Unsworth's chances of permanently succeeding Ronald Koeman have surely been wiped out.
In their five Europa League games this season, Everton have managed to pick up just a single point in a group also featuring Lyon and Apollon Limassol.
"I'd like to think every single player is hurting the way I am at the moment and if they are not then they shouldn't be here at this great club. The minimum requirement is 100 per cent effort. Only those players will know themselves when they look themselves in the mirror at night," Unsworth said after the game.
Quoted by Sky Sports, he left little doubt that most of those who were on the pitch last night will not be lining out against Southampton this weekend.
The players who have been asking me for opportunities to play in the first team were given that.
I asked the players to make it difficult for me to leave them out of the team on Sunday and the majority have probably made it very easy for me.
The manner we capitulated just isn't acceptable and the players know that.
What you can't do at this level is carry players. When your best player is an 18-year-old kid (Beni Baningime) who's only had a couple of first-team appearances that tells you all you need to know.
