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Everton: Night and day between Koeman and Unsworth

By Paul Taylor

COLERAINE, NORTHERN IRELAND - JULY 21: Everton coach David Unsworth during the NI Super Cup U21 football match between Everton and Espanyol at Coleraine Showgrounds on July 21, 2016 in Coleraine, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
COLERAINE, NORTHERN IRELAND - JULY 21: Everton coach David Unsworth during the NI Super Cup U21 football match between Everton and Espanyol at Coleraine Showgrounds on July 21, 2016 in Coleraine, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) /
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If you could sum up how different David Unsworth is to Ronald Koeman, consider how the former Everton defender is dealing with the Ross Barkley situation.

It must have felt like Christmas had come early, not once but twice, for a lot of Everton fans on Monday. First, there was the confirmation Ronald Koeman had been sacked, after a disastrous start to the 2017/18 campaign.

Second, was the news David Unsworth would be taking over, at least on a temporary basis. When talk began about getting rid of Koeman, Unsworth was one of the popular choice to take over, in part due to the fantastic work he has done with the Blues’ Under-23 team.

Of course, there is no way of knowing at this stage if the 44-year-old is the man for the job long-term. However, you can at least guarantee he will take a different approach to Koeman, who was renowned for his confidence/arrogance and lack of people skills.

The best example of the difference between the two men, is Unsworth’s approach to dealing with the Ross Barkley situation. As things stand, the midfielder is set to leave during the January transfer window, or following the current season.

However, the Blues’ former defender is going to at least attempt to persuade Barkley to stick around. As reported by Sky Sports News, he said:

"“I would absolutely love him to stay. He is a top talent. Everton has done great for him and he has done great for Everton, but he could be one of the all-time greats here.”More from Everton FC NewsFurther chaos in Everton takeover as other lenders not keen on 777 PartnersMore madness at Everton as Moshiri now agrees to sell club to 777 PartnersEverton takeover talk cools after UK govt doubts and further questionsTakeover talk again as 777 back in for Everton purchase after MSP withdrawalEverton striking legend Gray urges Dyche to put Beto and DCL up front"

Unsworth couldn’t have approached the situation more differently to Koeman. After Barkley refused to sign a long-term deal last summer, the Dutchman threatened to freeze him out of the first team.

Now of course, this doesn’t mean this new approach will actually work. If Barkley has his heart set on leaving, believing it will help his career, there is little — if anything — Everton can do about it.

Regardless, at least Unsworth is trying. Again reported by Sky Sports News, he is making sure to send out a positive message to Barkley, to let him know how much the Blues think of him (something which might not have been clear under Koeman):

"“I would love him to sit down with me and have a cup of tea and discuss the possibility of signing and staying here, because we love him and he loves Everton.”"

Overall, Unsworth should be commended for how he is dealing with this tenuous situation. It is this type of man management which could be invaluable for the team as a whole, with the players needing a collective boost to their confidence.

Now, it’s just a case of seeing how this reflects on the pitch. We’ll get our first glimpse on Wednesday, when Everton face Chelsea in the fourth round of the League Cup.

Next: Disastrous day sends Blues into bottom three

What is your opinion of Unsworth? Are you happy for him to be given the chance to right the ship, or is there someone else you believe Everton need to get in as manager as soon as possible? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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