Distin: Don't panic

, 22 September, 60comments  |  Jump to most recent
Sylvain Distin says it is important that Everton remain level-headed about the team's recent defensive problems, arguing that what has been a solid unit for the past few seasons doesn't need panic solutions.

Everton's back line has shipped a worrying number of goals in the early part of the 2014-15 season, with Sunday's demoralising 3-2 defeat to Crystal Palace taking the tally to 13 in five matches, 11 of them at Goodison Park.

Distin doesn't see that there is much that can be done other than to knuckle down and eliminate the errors.

“I don't see what huge changes you can make. We've been solid for five or six years. Over the past three or four season we're the third best defence in the league.

“It depends how you want to look at it; you can start panicking and thinking “What's going on?” but I don't think that's the right thing to do.

“You have to remember where you come from, what you are good at and what you've been doing well for so many years.

[W]hen you are conceding many it's hard. You have to refocus and things will turn out OK.

“We've conceded a lot of goals. It's the Premier League and you get punished.

“Maybe we've missed a bit of luck, a bit of communication. I don't think it's one thing, maybe a few little things together."

Quotes sourced from Liverpool Echo



Reader Comments (60)

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Colin Grierson
1 Posted 22/09/2014 at 22:09:13
Don't panic!! 11 goals conceded at home already!!

As Capt Mainwaring would say "You silly boy."

Jay Harris
3 Posted 22/09/2014 at 22:16:38
This is symptomatic of the managers philosophy that it is OK to make mistakes.

There now appears to be a lethargy in the camp about getting themselves up for games.

I hate to say it but the ":leave it all on the pitch" attitude that the players had under Moyes appears to have been replaced with a laissez faire attitude that it will be alright soon.

No it will not be alright unless we improve the concentration levels and the commitment which has only een evident in the Wolfsburg game since the end of last season.

I would ask those that said preseason doesn't matter if they feel the same way now..

Kevin Rowlands
4 Posted 22/09/2014 at 22:21:06
Have to agree Colin, plus 1 point out of nine at home with the RS and Utd away our next two matches, if things go tits up in them two games I think panic stations will be in full on mode.
Colin Glassar
5 Posted 22/09/2014 at 22:23:49
That was Pike, Colin. It was Jonesy (Distin?) who'd say, "don't panic, don't panic".
Tony Sullivan
6 Posted 22/09/2014 at 22:44:05
I think Distin has made an important point, the players should not be in panic mode, it is , after all a marathon and not a sprint.
However, when it comes to ToffeeWeb it seems that panic is the default mode for many of our supporters whenever there is a poor result. Indeed, it seems that some people are bordering on the hysterical.
I prefer to be in the Distin camp, don't panic and trust our manager to get things right.
John Aldridge
7 Posted 22/09/2014 at 22:51:14
It is ok to make mistakes. Provided that you learn from them. I'm not panicking yet, it is early doors. But if we play against the shite the way we played against Palace they will tear us a new a-hole. Keep Alcaraz as far away from the first team as possible though - he's a walking liability.
Tom Dodds
8 Posted 22/09/2014 at 23:07:20
Howard,
Howard,
Howard...
And oh yes... Osman.
Dave Abrahams
9 Posted 22/09/2014 at 23:19:36
Sylvan I dare you to sit in the stands and watch EvertonÂ’s next game. I promise you, you will panic!
Aman Kanji
10 Posted 22/09/2014 at 23:20:50
If weÂ’re not to panic, what are we to do?

Last four games of last season were poor, pre-season merely an exercise and 5 points out of 15, especially when we drew two if them in the last 10 minutes.

I said as we left the Wolfsburg game, that should have been a lot closer if they had decent forwards. The result papered over the cracks.

I understand what itÂ’s like to manage a large team, each player wanting to be recognised as cream of the crop. You have to keep the group and individuals motivated, but you also have to know each personÂ’s strengths and their most effective role. You have to learn from mistakes. You have to evolve to find the best fit for each / all.

DonÂ’t take risks with unproven teams, especially in live situations. WeÂ’re making these mistakes. WeÂ’re taking risks in live situations. WeÂ’re ruining our chance to evolve into a solid team. WeÂ’re losing when we shouldnÂ’t.

Get smarter, EFC. Get smarter, Roberto... DonÂ’t believe the hype.
COYB

Paul Kelly
11 Posted 22/09/2014 at 23:46:02
IÂ’m panicking, a little; too many conceded, lack of urgency, square pegs, round holes, pointless/late subs of no use. And a derby round the corner to boot.

I ainÂ’t panicking... IÂ’m effing suicidal. Arghh!

Peter Gorman
12 Posted 22/09/2014 at 23:54:09
I am not panicking Mr Distin; I am just disappointed and somewhat pissed off.

You donÂ’t see what huge differences you can make? How about changing the personnel.

Harold Matthews
13 Posted 22/09/2014 at 23:52:48
Martinez reckons it was all down to the penalty because it strengthened the mind-set of Palace. I believe it had more to do with him not selecting our strongest team for a Premier League match. When I saw the line-up I silently panicked.
Ciaran Duff
14 Posted 23/09/2014 at 00:26:13
I agree with Tony. We know there are issues to be ironed out, especially defensively but we should trust the team and manager to work that out. This squad is the same (actually better) than the previous defensively sound squad. If we panic then we'll throw the baby out with the bath water. Keep the faith.
Ciaran Duff
15 Posted 23/09/2014 at 00:33:22
Good to see John Aldridge on here supporting us too ;-)
Spragg Johnson
16 Posted 23/09/2014 at 00:36:48
Rather than the dour Scot Fraser's "Doomed ... we're all doomed!"

Let's go with another from Jonesy ...

"They don't like it up 'em" (without the racist bit at the start).

Liverpool's defence looks as shaky as ours ... could be 5-4 either way.

Andy Crooks
17 Posted 23/09/2014 at 00:34:23
Tony # 6, it may well be a marathon but we have made a poor start to it, In my view, the idea that we are somehow preparing for a long season is utterly ludicrous. Do late season points count as some sort of"Its a knock out" joker?

I believe that Roberto Martinez is taking us the right way but to talk of "hysterical" Evertonians is unfair. The criticism levelled at the coach seems to me to be fair and is what supporters do. His performance this season has been disappointing and his Pollyanna media stuff can grate a bit. However, there is still much to like and it's very, very early days.

Harold Matthews
18 Posted 23/09/2014 at 00:51:24
I've watched hundreds of marathons and the winner is always in touch with the leaders throughout.
Harold Matthews
19 Posted 23/09/2014 at 00:51:24
I've watched hundreds of marathons and the winner is always in touch with the leaders throughout.
Kevin Rowlands
20 Posted 23/09/2014 at 00:54:29
Well whatever anyone thinks of Martinez and his always positive style, I'd much prefer that than the Phil Neville 'lets roll up our sleeves' tweets, or OFM's dour and confrontational press conferences, that's for sure.
Dennis Ng
21 Posted 23/09/2014 at 01:12:24
The good thing about having a tough first few games (Arsenal, Chelsea Liverpool, Man Utd) is that, after that, we should be building momentum towards a good run towards the top. The bad: where we are right now for a club that blew away our previous transfer record to ashes for a statement.

Don't get me wrong, I don't think we're that bad yet, but the performances so far leaves a lot to be desired. We need more than just positive thinking and we need results against Liverpool and Man Utd regardless of what happens at Swansea.

Steve Fletcher
22 Posted 23/09/2014 at 01:44:53
Just seen a stat that only Evian, who are rock bottom of Ligue 1 in France are the only team in the top division of the 5 major European leagues that have let in more than Everton. There must be some Ev related pun to be made there but I'm too busy *cough* in work *cough* ....(and too depressed) at the mo to think of one. Luckily we are scoring goals or we would be where they are too.
Its too early for panic...but this needs sorting.
Peter Barry
23 Posted 23/09/2014 at 02:28:39
Without a Keeper the players can trust our defense will continue to suffer. Just imagine what goes through the minds of our defenders 'shall I pass this back to Howard or will he fluff it and I score an own goal or will he fluff it and let them score' because once that uncertainty becomes ingrained in their play thats when the stupid decisions get made by trying to avoid giving it to Howard at all costs.
Gary Edwards
24 Posted 23/09/2014 at 03:01:40
Jagielka and Distin need to sort their shit out and learn to defend again as a unit. Martinez needs to understand that neither of them is comfortable on the ball so when a team sits deep, like Palace did, and pick-up your attacking options then you need to vary it a bit e.g. throw Distin up there to knock down balls pumped into the box as that's the only service you will get from Jagielka .. besides which adopting such tactic would have thrown Palace off their game but more importantly added another dimension to ours.

Okay .. no need to panic, just get it sorted and quick .. a solid showing against the dark side is a good place to begin.

Sam Hoare
25 Posted 23/09/2014 at 03:13:23
Haven't seen us play a good match yet this season. Some patches and some good halves but not a really solid 90 min so far.

Something – be it tactics, preparation, selection or motivation – is not right. If it continues like this, we will be fighting for mid-table mediocrity soon enough and all excitement for the potential of this season will disappear.

Mark Andersson
26 Posted 23/09/2014 at 03:25:17
I suppose Distin was coached to say that. Like he has been coached to play the ball from the back...

Still it remains a conundrum: stick to Martinez game plan, or realize that the defence are not comfortable or capable of playing the Martinez way.

Liverpool v Everton, only the most optimistic fan will think we have a chance of getting something from that game.

54 years I've been a fan and just when I thought we where coming good again, we lose to bottom of the table Palace.

Spragg Johnson
27 Posted 23/09/2014 at 04:18:13
Individual mistakes cost football games ... we've had Distin, Jagielka and now Howard and Osman. Simple ... eliminate mistakes. Communication and commitment. Over to you Roberto.
Brian Cleveland
28 Posted 23/09/2014 at 05:34:38
It's OK saying don't panic, but the players look like it just doesn't matter... they're out there with an attitude of sitting in the armchair with a cup of tea, slippers on, reading the Sunday newspaper....

Panic might not be the right word, but they need a f*ckin rocket up their jackseys to wake 'em up and get rid of the "ah what a pity" effect.

It BLOODY DOES MATTER, they need to start showing they care and get out of complacent lovey dovey mode before they can't!!

I want to see a bit of passion and commitment... and I want to see them HURT when it's not going right, because right now I'm hurting.

We're crap and all we get from Bobby is his usual smile and over positive attitude that's starting to wear thin. Come on Bobby, I want to hear you swear, look angry and say they were shite, just once, pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeee.

Darryl Ritchie
29 Posted 23/09/2014 at 06:06:46
I have to agree with Brian@28. I want the players to get a little pissed off when they, or someone else, messes up. RM may be more direct with the squad behind closed doors, but it would be satisfying, as an Evertonian, for him to show me that he is as dissatisfied as I am. A little "vinegar" to go with all the "honey".

I’m not panicking! I’m pissed off! Because I KNOW we can do so much better. Cut out the the stupid mistakes and get on with it.

Tony Abrahams
30 Posted 23/09/2014 at 07:05:38
Panicking will not get us far at all. Changing the personnel and getting back to the basics to eradicate stupid errors is what we need to do.

Read Tony Sullivan, Aman, because although you make some valid points, some people might stop reading when you say the last four games of last season, "we was poor".

Jim Bennings
31 Posted 23/09/2014 at 07:59:08
If some of us aren't already panicking yet after shipping endless goals, since the latter end of last season not just this, then perhaps after the next two games we will all have jumped deck eh Captain??

Lets be honest, we have already conceded 13 goals, I'd be astonished if it's not at least 18 or 19 by the time the Old Trafford trip has been concluded, maybe even more.

How do we not panic?

Are we meant to say "ok I have faith on this team to go and shore things up away at Anfield and Old Trafford and come away with a few good results"

We have defended, as a unit, like a ill-prepared school team this season and players such as Sterling, Balotelli, Sturridge, Falcao, Rooney, Di Maria will be tearing us a new one in the next two matches.

Like a few posts above mention, you'd like to see the players get angry and at the end of the match, see one of our players pull all his team-mates into a huddle or something and hive them a rollicking, something, anything to show a bit of hurt and anger but at least leadership.

The next two games are going to bring massive tests of character, it will be interesting to see if any one of our players has that leadership character to pull us through this obvious bad patch and make sure it doesn't become a mini crisis.

Ian McDowell
32 Posted 23/09/2014 at 08:35:30
Dont panic? Well we could be in the relegation zone come the next international break. So I won't be panicking if we pick up 4 points from the next 2 games, but lose them and I think we are going to see a lot of very disgruntled supporters.
Mark Tanton
33 Posted 23/09/2014 at 08:44:15
I won't panic next time I see Osman in the starting line up, I'll just disappear upstairs with a shot gun.
Dick Fearon
34 Posted 23/09/2014 at 09:00:26
Picture of old Sylvain comes to mind, running around in circles yelling Don't Panic Don't Panic.
At what point Distin do I get permission to Panic?
Will it be bottom four at Xmas?
Tony J Williams
35 Posted 23/09/2014 at 09:19:53
To be fair to Distin, HE didn't have a bad game on Sunday.
Kevin O'Regan
36 Posted 23/09/2014 at 10:01:47
Give Ossie a break - he doesn't pick himself - he did add a different bit of attacking danger on Sunday, although could have done better with his chances. Or am I forgetting that he's at fault for everything ? Silly me.
Sylvain is getting old, so he won't be panicking anytime soon. But we need someone to start shouting and organising and very soon.
Colin Grierson
37 Posted 23/09/2014 at 10:01:34
Colin, my selection of Pike in place of Jonesy was symptomatic of a post on a Sunday game after a Thursday night European post. I should've rested meself and got me missus to respond to Distin's views. Although to focus on the positives I feel I have greater knowledge of the characters of a. Lassi. British comedy.
I think I've seen too many of RMs post match interviews!
Tony J Williams
38 Posted 23/09/2014 at 10:31:52
Ossie wasn't that bad....until his legs packed in after about 55 minutes.

His pass to Lukaku was precise and well laid on but he simply shouldn't have been on the pitch after the hour mark.

Kevin Joszko
39 Posted 23/09/2014 at 10:27:35
DonÂ’t panic! He would say that wouldnÂ’t he? ItÂ’s his place at stake, Stones was brilliant in central defence and should now start with Jags and Distin taking it in turns to partner him.

Obviously Besic has had a tough start but surely can play right back if still without Coleman? ItÂ’s a better option.

Conn Prosser
40 Posted 23/09/2014 at 11:31:52
The defence against West Brom was just as shaky as any other game this season. I'd be a lot less panicky if either a player or the manager stood up and said, we are not good enough and this what we are doing about it... Even dune-bashing, I just want an apt response.
James Richard
41 Posted 23/09/2014 at 12:18:12
I'm certainly panicking. To those fans saying it's only early days your right. But in our last 15 games we have conceded 28 goals stretching back to the end of last season. And it's gradually gotten worse. Averaging nearly 2 goals a game. That's not good enough for a top 10 finish never mind a European place. It's needs sorting ASAP.
Liam Reilly
42 Posted 23/09/2014 at 10:25:23
Don't panic folks; now let me check that my 40 grand for Sunday's debacle was transferred into my account.

James Stewart
43 Posted 23/09/2014 at 13:18:14
I take zero comfort from those words, Sylvain, but thanks... I guess.

However, seeing as the only clean sheet we have kept this season was in his absence, he would be well advised to keep his mouth shut and let his feet do the talking.

Jamie Barlow
44 Posted 23/09/2014 at 13:40:29
Dont panic!! Thats a bit rich coming from a bloke who looks like he fills his kecks everytime he gets the ball.

Anyone looking for an omen for Saturday? The last time we beat them at Anfield — 27 September 1999.

Mark Taylor
45 Posted 23/09/2014 at 14:01:31
It's not a case of panic yet, but there is well founded concern. I don't recall being the only one who voiced concerns about RM's decisision not to sign another CB (and for that matter, a back up right back).

Distin has been a wonderful servant but his reactions and legs will go any time soon. Jags likewise as a servant, but he has been out of form for a while, since before the WC (and he was poor in that). Stones is good but still very naive defensively while we've seen enough of Alcaraz to know he is not requisite standard.

It's not all down to the defenders- Barry and McCarthy have both been below par this years- but the problem of defensive back up was very obvious.

We might be writing Distin or even Jag's obituary a little prematurely but let's face it, it won't be a total shock if we're not and there is no back up to speak of.

Jim Bennings
46 Posted 23/09/2014 at 15:51:37
Jamie

I'm looking for an omen but maybe there's a September 27 Derby at Anfield again in the year 2040 , I reckon we'll all still be searching for that good omen even then.

No chance of a win Saturday the way we are defensively and the way we always shit ourselves with the "oh my God this is Anfield" mentality.

James Flynn
47 Posted 23/09/2014 at 15:55:10
Well, for on the pitch leadership, we still haven't replaced Neville and Cahill. Gotta have guys like that.
Steve Guy
48 Posted 23/09/2014 at 16:43:57
Mistakes breed panic and gift the opposition the "breaks". Cut out the mistakes and we are more than half way there. Don't give the ball away cheaply and we are pretty much all the way there as we are still scoring two a game.

See what happens tonight and against the RS. This week could kick start the season if we cut out the unnecessary errors or..........not

Paul David
50 Posted 23/09/2014 at 21:19:56
DonÂ’t panic?

Use your right leg to clear instead of heading it against your bar and we wonÂ’t have to.

Damian Braithwaite
51 Posted 23/09/2014 at 21:32:10
Think we need to get rid of Distin, Howard, Osman and Hibbert. Their time is surely over now and Martinez has no plan B we fuck about with the ball in front of our penalty area and invite teams to chase us down so we make mistakes. When it goes wrong for Everton it goes wrong big time.
Glen Garrett
52 Posted 23/09/2014 at 21:50:22
Who is Distin trying to kid? Major problems in the Everton defence.

Defending like this is what going to put Everton in the Championship next season.

Carl Taylor
53 Posted 23/09/2014 at 23:02:54
Easy for Distin not to panic, he's getting paid to impersonate Andy Gray at Notts County in the FA Cup, whilst we have to watch him f**k up and face another season of missing out on our only realistic chance of a trophy.
Brian Wilkinson
54 Posted 24/09/2014 at 02:08:21
If Pistorious had Everton for his defence, he would be tucking into his porrige,then pacing the yard right now.

I am lost for words what has happened to our defence.

Looks to me we are over complicating things with this keep football and play it back, time we got back to basics and stick to simple defending.

I touched on Martinezs tactics in the Anfield derby last season, patched up defence a few playing with a jab before the game, what do we do, we push up high, simple ball played through to Suarez, Sturridge etc and not a chance of our players catching them, leaving Howard more expised than a clapham common flasher.

Back to basics Roberto and please no pushing our defence up to near the halfway line as a line,

Gerard Carey
55 Posted 24/09/2014 at 08:50:14
Dreading Saturday, maybe Martinez will come out and say it will be like bringing "knives to a gunfight", maybe things going full circle!!!!!. Def going tits up at the moment. Get back to basics, we need our defence to be solid. Start with Coleman, Jags, Stones and Baines. Rest Distin and Osman. Would be happy with a point at that place.
Michael Polley
56 Posted 24/09/2014 at 10:44:03
Not looking forward to the derby. Individual mistakes need to be erased. Get back to the basics. If we do that right, our confidence will come back. There is a lack of focus, concentration & confidence in the players which is a breeding ground for these mistakes.

The derby & the Man Utd games are opportunities (albeit difficult) to rebuild our confidence, and try to restore some stability in the team, and push on.

Fingers crossed, and maybe some good luck, or heavenly intervention!!! COYB

Rob Newling
57 Posted 24/09/2014 at 11:09:04
I didn’t buy into the pre-season hype, even with Ross in the mix. Champions League? A big ask anytime – surely someone having a laugh!

I donÂ’t agree with the relegation talk either. WeÂ’ve got a stronger squad & had worse starts in the not too distant past!

That said, itÂ’s been disappointing, the Europa League game aside. IÂ’ll be surprised if we get much out of the next two games either, but ecstatic if we do. Maybe our turn for an upset??

I suspect the results / hunger will return after a collective reality check – hopefully not a caning @ Mordor though!
Keep the faith (& a towel handy). The answerÂ’s 42. (Or maybe 38 in todayÂ’s league!)

Ford Prefect.

Clive Rogers
59 Posted 25/09/2014 at 10:05:00
It’s when I look through the squad that I start to panic. Half of them well into their 30s, including two new signings, and several crocks and past-its who are never going to play. Also a couple of not-readies. Bad management.
Paul Joy
60 Posted 25/09/2014 at 10:58:15
Two old sayings spring to mind, Sylvain:

"Practice what you preach" and "Actions speak louder than words".

Sean Wafer
61 Posted 25/09/2014 at 15:04:03
Distin is beset by flaws, surprisingly for his advancing years not one of which is pace. But you can't be a middle-aged man relying on his pace in modern day football. He can't pass, has terrible positional sense, no right foot, no leadership, no fight. He's average at best and should be moved on.
I'd rather have Alcaraz.
Chris Fisher
62 Posted 25/09/2014 at 16:08:48
Perhaps you should listen to your own advise when the ball comes anywhere near you Distin!!!
Max Wilson
63 Posted 25/09/2014 at 17:08:25
Well Distin, after watching you Tuesday night, the only time we might panic is if we see you on the team sheet. Come on, your not playing well this season. Sorry mate, we all think that, we're not all wrong.

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