Wednesday 1 November 2017 22:51, UK
Everton caretaker boss David Unsworth insists speculation linking others to the vacant manager role has not put him off wanting the "amazing job" on a permanent basis.
Unsworth is yet to secure a win since taking temporary charge following Ronald Koeman's sacking last month, but remains confident a victory will come when Everton take on Lyon in France in the Europa League on Thursday.
Despite sitting 18th in the Premier League and bottom of Group E with just one point from three games in Europe, Unsworth feels he can turn things around and says speculation linking others to the job isn't affecting him.
"I'm not at all put off by anything about this job," he said.
"It's an amazing job, it's an amazing football club.
"This is a fabulous job that any manger - young, up and coming, experienced - it doesn't matter."
Koeman was dismissed from the post last Monday after the side's 5-2 defeat to Arsenal saw them drop into the relegation zone.
Everton are interested in appointing Burnley manager Sean Dyche as Koeman's successor, according to Sky sources.
Unsworth says he has paid little attention to potential replacements and revealed he has sacrificed sleep since taking temporary charge.
"I haven't had time to look or see whoever has been linked with the job," he said.
"I've not had time to sleep for the last two weeks.
"I'm just working so hard with the staff that are with me, with the players, to win some football matches and that is my only focus."
The club spent in excess of £150m during the summer transfer window in acquiring the likes of Gylfi Sigurdsson, Wayne Rooney, Davy Klaassen and Jordan Pickford but have managed just two wins from 10 league games.
"I think it's always difficult when you sign any player - a player from another country or a player from your own country," Unsworth said.
"The players have to find their own form - that's a lot easier when the team is playing winning football.
"The sooner we start winning some games, the sooner everybody - not just the new signings - can start performing and gain the confidence to perform and to bring their A game to the pitch and perform at the level that is expected of any Everton player."
Unsworth has opted to rest a number of first-team players for the Toffees' clash with the Ligue 1 side, with Michael Keane, Phil Jagielka, Leighton Baines and Rooney all notable absentees.
"We just wanted to freshen it up, with one eye on Sunday as well," Unsworth said.
"Those lads have played a lot of games in a short space of time.
"I wanted to make a couple of changes and freshen things up.
"We are looking forward to the game and I can assure you we will be giving everything to win that game."
