Everton players are 'hurting' after Ronald Koeman sacking and run of poor form, admits Ashley Williams

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Ashley Williams has candidly spoken about the responsibility Everton's players feel for the club's current position and has admitted the dressing room is hurting.

Everton have arrived in Lyon needing a small miracle to make it through to the knockout stage of the Europa League after taking one point from their first three games.

Their form in Europe has mirrored the frustrations they have endured in the Premier League.

David Unsworth and Ashley Williams address the media in Lyon on Wednesday evening

The Wales captain admits the Everton players are 'hurting' after a poor run of form

David Unsworth, the caretaker manager, has shown where the priorities lie by leaving Leighton Baines, Phil Jagielka and Wayne Rooney on Merseyside to prepare for a collision with Watford on Sunday that has taken huge significance.

They need a performance to change the mood before that, though, and Williams – who will captain the side here on Thursday evening – has explained what impact Ronald Koeman's sacking, on top of the poor results, has had on the squad.

Williams had an affinity and respect for the Dutchman and explained that it had left a mark seeing him removed from his position 10 days ago.

Koeman took the blame for Everton's spiralling fortunes but the Wales international insisted the spotlight needed to be placed on the players.

Everton's players head for the south of France and their latest Europa League clash

Kevin Mirallas smiles for the camera as they make their way on board the flight to Lyon

Morgan Schneiderlin and Sandro Ramirez board the flight to Lyon on Wednesday afternoon

'I think it hurts, definitely, he was someone we all liked and you feel responsible as a player.

'We're disappointed for everyone, not just the players, it's our profession as players, for the fans and for everyone in the club, it's not nice when you're not winning games and it affects everyone in the club.

'It's always disappointing when a manager loses his job and you do take responsibility for that.

Ronald Koeman was sacked last week after a dreadful start to the season at Goodison Park

'It does hurt, and when you're in the training ground at times like that it's not always a nice place to be, when confidence is low.

'All footballers go through it at some point but there is always another game, especially with us, we've got so many games coming up, you have to get over whatever it is very quickly because you don't want a hangover going into the next game.

'We're supporting Unsy, I've enjoyed training and I've enjoyed working with him so far and I wish we could've got the results that I feel we maybe deserved.

'Hopefully we can put things right, performances have been OK, performances have been a little bit better in the last two.' 

Williams believes performances have been better under caretaker boss David Unsworth