Portsmouth defender Sylvain Distin said the harsh words he received from manager Tony Adams after their disappointing 3-1 loss to Fulham is just part of the game.

Distin came under criticism from Adams but remains calm and intent on staying in the top flight.

"You always exchange words," said Distin. "There's a bit of frustration - it's part of the game.

"Everyone is still hyper from the game and you have words, you don't always talk with calm and composure. It's not a fight, it's nothing special, no more than any other game.

"We definitely have enough to stay up but we have to do a bit more than we have today. We did well in some games but didn't get the result, but in this game we can't say we've done anything good.

"The table's so tight this season it's amazing. So until the end of the season, it's going to be tough.

"We have to be honest, we lost some of our best players, and nobody has come in.

"It's difficult, but we had a great team last season, this season we lost some players.

"I think the club tried to get some players but didn't get who they wanted to. But we have enough character and strength to stay up."