“No sympathy.”
Joey Barton was a boyhood Everton fan, but he’s definitely not a fan of the Toffees’ caretaker manager. Barton levelled some bizarre criticism at David Unsworth last month, saying the stand-in Everton boss was too “out of shape” to be considered as a serious contender for the vacant position.
“Look at him on the touchline, he’s more like a steward,” the former Manchester City midfielder said.
“I watched him waddling onto the coach. How can you get players to exert themselves physically when you’re out of shape?
Everton’s search for a new manager is still taking place, over a month after they sacked Ronald Koeman, and Unsworth hasn’t done his chances of getting the role any favours. The former defender has recorded just one victory in his seven games in the dugout this season, and Everton have conceded nine goals in their last two fixtures.
Italian side Atalanta hammered them 5-1 in a Europa League tie on Thursday, and Southampton earned a 4-1 victory over the Toffees on Sunday at St Mary’s. Unsworth may “know the club”, and he has a commendable record as a youth coach, but it appears he isn’t ready to become Everton’s permanent manager.
Barton was on-hand following the crushing defeat on Sunday to rub salt into the wounds. The former Newcastle United midfielder was very much in a “I told you so” mood, reiterating his stance that Unsworth is completely out of his depth. Barton blamed Everton’s awful display on their caretaker manager. The Toffees are currently in 16th place, two points the relegation zone.
You can read Barton’s tweets here:
Unsworth has been that bad as 1st team manager, you have to question his credibility in handling u23’s again.
P6 W1 D1 L4 F7 A16. Concedes 2 or more in each game.
Plus whatever scores this finishes today…🙈#embarrassing
— 👑 Joey Barton 👑 (@Joey7Barton) November 26, 2017
Told you all what would happen and you chose to focus on the media noise. You can’t take shortcuts at this level. This is what happens when you do.
— 👑 Joey Barton 👑 (@Joey7Barton) November 26, 2017
The manager is responsible. He is the leader. He picks the team. He sets the tone. If the players don’t perform, it’s on him to find a solution. Don’t like it? Don’t put yourself in a position to lead. Don’t say you want the job, if you can’t do it. No sympathy.
— 👑 Joey Barton 👑 (@Joey7Barton) November 26, 2017
Aren’t you the same guy who also said Michael Keane was a quality defender? Because he has been awful every single game he’s played. #pickandchoose
— Niall John (@hughezy_10) November 26, 2017
He is. If you think it’s all on Keane, you’re deluded.
That back 6 as a unit is a catastrophe at the minute.
What they’re doing on the training ground is beyond me. https://t.co/Mq310BTG7A
— 👑 Joey Barton 👑 (@Joey7Barton) November 26, 2017
@Joey7Barton got stick for his comments about Unsworth but a glorified PE teacher seems generous now ahah
— Jake Galloway (@Jake_Galloway) November 26, 2017
Think I need to apologise to all the PE teachers out there. None of them can be as bad as he’s been. https://t.co/rM5oktPFIW
— 👑 Joey Barton 👑 (@Joey7Barton) November 26, 2017
The only thing embarrassing round here are your petty comments about a guy that loves his club. He may not have done the job we all hoped but he still has our hearts.
— slocko (@slockfr) November 26, 2017
The only thing embarrassing round here are your petty comments about a guy that loves his club. He may not have done the job we all hoped but he still has our hearts.
— slocko (@slockfr) November 26, 2017
Give it a rest. ‘Loves his club’ do me a favour. That why he left and signed for West Ham?
He saw an opportunity to cosy up to an old romantic of a chairman. Then dupe him into thinking he could replace the then manager. Out for nobody but himself. And been found out. #fraud https://t.co/Ym8EX7RMyg
— 👑 Joey Barton 👑 (@Joey7Barton) November 26, 2017
Find it funny that some EFC fans think Unsworth was a top player. Keep telling me he was better than me. 🤣
Comparing a LB and a CM is foolish. Ask anyone who has played. Only an absolute clown would compare the two.
Like comparing a painter and decorator to Monet.
— 👑 Joey Barton 👑 (@Joey7Barton) November 26, 2017
