“Show no fear” - Unsworth issues Everton rallying cry

Everton interim boss David Unsworth insists his side have nothing to fear from their Carabao Cup fourth round trip to Chelsea tonight.

Unsworth will be taking charge for the first time since he was placed in temporary control of the first-team following Ronald Koeman’s sacking on Monday.

His impressive press conference on Tuesday has already lifted spirits amongst the fanbase.

Now Unsworth is seeking to raise morale amongst his players but issuing a stirring rallying cry ahead of their match at Stamford Bridge.

When asked what he expects from tonight, Unsworth told the official website:

“One hundred per cent commitment to the cause, a never-say-die attitude from the first minute to the 95th minute, whatever it takes… through to extra-time, maybe, who knows?

“And I want us to enjoy it, because when you enjoy things you perform better. We have to enjoy getting on the ball, be brave and courageous – although not by doing silly things – and be tough as well... mentally and physically tough.

“We want to go down there with no fear and to win a game of football.

“Why would you be fearful of playing football at Stamford Bridge in front of the 4,000 Evertonians who are going down there and want to back you?

“It is a wonderful opportunity for the players; a wonderful opportunity to get into the next round of the cup and to go on and get to a final and win a trophy."

The last time Everton won at Stamford Bridge (aside from on penalties in 2011) was way back in November 1994.

Unsworth played in that game, which was Joe Royle’s second match charge of the Toffees.

After beating Liverpool 2-0 in Royle’s first match, Everton then won 1-0 at the Bridge before beating Leeds 3-0 the following Monday to move out of the relegation zone.

Unsworth isn’t one to look for omens and says hasn’t thought about 1994 in the build-up to this game.

However, the 44-year-old admits he has sought the advice of Royle, who is now Everton’s professional development co-ordinator.

Rhino added:

“I never stop talking to Joe. Why would you? He is vastly experienced, has great knowledge and will be with us throughout the journey.

“I have not really thought about the game in 1994. But it was a great week, we beat Liverpool, then won three games in a row, which got us out of the bottom three.

“I am just focused on the team and putting in a performance for all the thousands of Evertonians who go down there.

“We want to be stood there in front of them at the end of the game having gone through to the next round.

“It is a long way to go and we need to give them something to cheer about.”