David Unsworth says he has learned a lot about the current Everton squad in their 5-1 defeat to Atalanta.
The Blues’ miserable Europa League campaign continued as they fell to their a defeat in five games in this year’s competition.
Unsworth opted to name a heavily rotated line up for the visit of the Serie A side with Everton’s exit from Group E already confirmed with two games to spare.
The chance for several fringe players to stake their claim did not galvanise them, though, with several under-performing once again.
A capitulation at the end saw the visitor score three inside the final ten minutes and Unsworth says that taught him a lot about his current group
He said: “I asked the players to make it difficult for me to leave them out and the majority have made it easy for me.
“Those players who’ve been moaning or asking for opportunities were given that tonight.
“The players are a little fragile at the moment so we have to be careful but I’ve learned a few things about a few players tonight.
“I stressed beforehand we must compete for the paying fans and the way we capitulated at the end was not acceptable.
“The players are a little fragile at the moment so we have to be careful. I’ve learned a few things about a few players tonight.
“We’re asking players to run and play harder, to get to the ball quicker than they’re used to. Some can and some can’t. You can’t carry players.
“When you’re best player on the night is 18, it tells you everything you need to know.
“I’d love to think every single player is hurting like I am. If they’re not, they shouldn’t be here at this great club. The minimum requirement is 100% desire.
“I take responsibility but when the players step over the line they have to take it too.
“I have learned some things about the players that played tonight if they’re not hurting like I am they shouldn’t be here.”