Distin slams Pompey rearguard

Defender unhappy after Stamford Bridge mauling

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 18th August 2008

Sylvain Distin

Distin: Conceded debateable penalty

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Sylvain Distin has pulled no punches in his assessment of Portsmouth's 4-0 defeat at Chelsea.

Much is expected of Pompey this season, but they began their 2008/09 campaign in the worst possible manner.

Luiz Felipe Scolari's side were always in control during Sunday's contest at Stamford Bridge, picking apart Harry Redknapp's men with ease.

Distin believes Portsmouth only have themselves to blame for the heavy defeat, highlighting poor communication and indecisive marking as key factors behind the abject showing.

"They played well, but we didn't perform," the centre-half told The News.

"Chelsea have a lot of quality, but we helped them. I'm not happy.

Mistakes

"They didn't play that well. We conceded four silly goals.

"Maybe the one for Deco was a great strike, but the others before were very poor.

"If we all do our job and follow our men there would be no problem.

"It's 11 players versus 11. It's a team thing. When things are going well it is the whole team and it is the same when we lose.

"It is not just about the defence. It wasn't individual mistakes, it was a collective one.

"We didn't follow players, we didn't talk and we didn't communicate."

Chelsea had the points wrapped up before half-time, thanks in part to a Frank Lampard penalty moments before the interval after Distin had been adjudged to have handled in the box.

Respect

The Frenchman insists he was unfairly punished by referee Mike Dean, and has questioned the performance of the match official.

"I thought the hand has to go to the ball. The ball hit my hand. Maybe I have to read the rules," he said.

"I suppose when you play a big team the decision goes against you most of the time.

"I have to say it is hard as a player. We talk about respect but when it is completely unfair it is hard.

"The worst thing is when you say politely what you think and try to understand the decision you get a yellow card.

"We are supposed to respect the rules and the referee, but it goes both ways. They have to respect the players too.

"They have to be careful not to kill the passion because you can't react anymore. I didn't think it was a penalty but I can't say that."