Carlo Ancelotti said the commitment of several Everton players in the defeat to Sheffield United was "unacceptable" - but the Blues boss has refused to name those who angered him.
But the Italian is hoping that his squad will produce a "reaction" in their final home game of the season against Wolves tonight, where they will be backed by 6,500 fans.
Everton's hopes of qualifying for Europe dangle by a thread following the 1-0 loss to Sheffield United on Sunday which inflicted a ninth league defeat at Goodison this season - stat which "embarrassed" Ancelotti.
"Of course, the commitment was not there," the Everton boss said.
"I don't want to nominate the players but most of them, the commitment for the game was absolutely not good, unacceptable, because the game was so important. I hope for a reaction tomorrow."
Ancelotti has insisted that a summer overhaul is not required and that there will not be a "revolution" taking place in the transfer market but, rather, "adjustments".
"The analysis of the season will be important to recruit new players but we have to put the home defeats we had up against the away run we had," Ancelotti said.
"A good analysis means to consider all of what has happened this season and to try to make the adjustments for the next one."
