Ronald Koeman is hoping that a Carabao Cup win over Sunderland will be a springboard for Everton’s season.
Goals from Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Oumar Niasse ended a run of four straight defeats for the Blues with a comfortable 3-0 victory over the Black Cats.
A fourth round tie with Chelsea awaits next month while the visit of Simon Grayson’s side was the first of four games at Goodison Park in all competitions.
Koeman remains optimistic that a run of games which sees his side take on Bournemouth, Apollon Limassol and Burnley can spark a change in Everton’s mood.
He said: “I’m always enjoying football.
“Sometimes I ask myself the question but that’s maybe about the results and a lack of confidence. I like football because I know football is the best to do.
“If you like football, plays. It’s difficult and is also difficult for the manager because of all the speculation.
“It’s normal if you don’t win that it’s difficult. Let’s hope that we start tonight to win at home, we have three to go.
“If we get three wins at home I think the whole situation will be different and I will go for the international break with some love on my face.
“If not, maybe it will be a different face!”