Ronald Koeman has demanded Everton’s players ‘stand up’ after back-to-back defeats.
Talks are set to take place between the Blues manager and senior members of his squad on Friday in the wake of their Europa League humiliation by Atalanta.
The 3-0 reversal in Sassuolo was Everton’s second in the space of five days, having slumped to Tottenham by an identical scoreline last weekend.
And ahead of Sunday’s trip to Manchester United, Koeman has thrown down the gauntlet to his team to banish their currently dismal start to the new campaign.
He said: “What I don’t like is to go out and tell the media what I tell the players.
“After this press conference I’ll have a meeting with most of the players, and the key players.
“You can always complain about the young talent, 18 [and] 19-year-olds but it’s time for the experienced players to stand up.
“I’m worried after what I saw yesterday. I wasn’t worried after Chelsea.
“The reaction should have started in the second half against Tottenham.
“But that 45 minutes and the first 45 minutes yesterday is enough reason to be worried.”