GET ME THE JOB
Unsworth begs stars to shine
DAVID UNSWORTH has pleaded with Everton’s players to earn him the manager’s job.
The former Toffees defender has been placed in temporary charge following the sacking of Ronald Koeman on Monday.
Unsworth is a popular figure in the dressing room and is expected to be given the four games until next month’s international break to stake his claim.
Burnley boss Sean Dyche, former captain Phil Neville and ex-Borussia Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel are among the contenders while Ryan Giggs has made his interest public.
But Unsworth wants the players to prove HE is the right man for the job, starting tonight at Chelsea in the Carabao Cup.
“It’s a great opportunity,” he said. “I am keen. I’d love this job. I’ll give it everything I’ve got.
“I want to manage. I think the time has come to say that and I make no secret of it at all.
“The chairman, Farhad, and the board have given me an amazing opportunity to hopefully get a run of games where performance levels go up and we produce some wins as well. “We’ll see how we perform and see how
results go. We’ll keep communicating and take it from there, week by week.
“Performances and results will dictate any future for me as Everton manager.”
Under-23 boss Unsworth addressed Everton’s stunned squad yesterday along with director of football Steve Walsh. They will attempt to spark a turnaround after the team’s poor start to the season under Koeman.
Sacked
Unsworth, 44, was interviewed for the job when Roberto Martinez was sacked in May 2016 but the club opted to go Dutch.
After tonight’s trip to Stamford Bridge, Everton face Leicester and Watford either side of a Europa League trip to Lyon a week tomorrow. Unsworth took charge for one game, a 3-0 win over Norwich, after Martinez was sacked.
He said: “Who wouldn’t want this job? It is a wonderful football club with amazing fans and it is a top job for any manager, myself included.
“I don’t see myself under any pressure at all. I’m going to enjoy it. At the end of the day, I want what’s best for Everton.”
Koeman was sacked after sinking into the bottom three with Sunday’s 5-2 home hammering by Arsenal.
“I would like to place on record my thanks to the players and staff for all of their work and commitment during my 16 months as Everton manager,” Koeman said.
“Naturally, I am disappointed at this moment, but I wish the team good luck in the future.”