Duncan Ferguson has been telling Everton's players some "home truths" as he talks up the coaching ability of Leighton Baines.
Ferguson has been installed as Blues' caretaker manager for a second time after the sacking of Rafa Benitez on Sunday.
Everton say Big Dunc will be in charge of the team for the "upcoming games" starting with the visit of Aston Villa on Saturday.
The Blues don't play again until February 5 when Brentford visit in the FA Cup and then go to Newcastle United three days later.
Everton are searching for a sixth new permanent manager in as many years and Ferguson says the club are "going through the process" of assessing candidates.
Roberto Martinez retains support in the boardroom while Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard have been under consideration - along with Ferguson, who took training for the first time on Tuesday morning.
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“They are upbeat sessions, with hard work and clear and simple messages," he said.
“I am getting among the players and telling a few home truths because the past has not been good enough.
“But it is in the past. We move forwards, the game is coming and let’s get ready for it.
“They [Everton players] should give everything.
“They should run themselves into the ground.
“They should roll up their sleeves and fight for the Club in every single game.
“Imagine if you asked a fan to put a shirt on and get on the pitch, what would they do?
“We need to be doing that.
“I have to improve the tempo and aggression of the team, keep chipping away at the players about how important it is to get the victories.
“The result, of course, is massively important, but we need an improvement [in performance].
“I have confidence in the players and the team and think they can win every game and that will be no different on Saturday.
“We have a lot of great players in there and they will step up, I am sure.”
Ferguson will be supported in the dugout by John Ebbrell, Alan Kelly and Baines.
Baines retired from playing at the end of the 2019-20 season but returned to the club as Professional Development Coach in September of that year.
The former Everton left-back has also been working with the club's under-18s and Big Dunc has been left impressed with his ability on the training pitch.
“Leighton is a great fella, an unbelievable player and a legend of the Club,” said Ferguson.
“He is just starting his coaching journey but I have noticed in the past two days how far he has come.
“He really is a good coach and getting better and better.
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“He will go onto great things in the future and I am absolutely delighted he is going to be sitting next to me.”
On Everton finding a replacement for Benitez, Ferguson added: “The Club are in a process of going through their candidates.
“They will go through that process and I am sure they will get the best man for the job.”
