David Unsworth has hailed Everton’s players in their Carabao Cup defeat to Chelsea.
A near-strength Blues side exited the competition’s fourth round in a 2-1 reversal at Stamford Bridge just days after Ronald Koeman was sacked.
Koeman’s 16-month tenure ended on Monday in the aftermath of a 5-2 hammering by Arsenal with Everton in the Premier League’s bottom three.
However there were many improvements in the performance in west London and Unsworth, who was placed in temporary charge, was quick to pay tribute.
He said: “I’m very proud of them, albeit nobody likes losing.
“It was a great, committed performance. I think it reflects on the players because they’ve put in a committed display. There’s a lot to work with there.
“All I know is that I hope we’ll be as committed as that in every game, and hopefully get in a winning run as well.”
Unsworth handed Beni Baningime his debut against the Premier League champions and the young midfielder delivered an impressive performance.
The Everton boss revealed that the previously little-known player was a late call-up due to illness forcing Morgan Schneiderlin out of the fourth round tie.
“If I’m honest Baningime wasn’t in the team last night, Schneiderlin was taken ill,” said Unsworth.
“I didn’t think Beni would be as good as he was! But I was very proud of him time.”
“Evertonians better get used to his tackling.”
The search for Koeman’s successor remains ongoing, with Unsworth admitting that he is keen to take the role permanently on the back of his caretaker role.
“I’m due to meet with [Farhad] Moshiri on Friday afternoon,” he added.
“But I speak with the chairman three or four times a day.
“I can only influence tonight, the training sessions and the games moving forward.
“I wouldn’t want to comment on what’s gone before.”