Since beating West Bromwich Albion in last month's semi-final, Harry Redknapp's side have won just one of their last four matches and slipped out of the reckoning for fifth spot and automatic qualification for the UEFA Cup.

Victory over Cardiff City in the FA Cup final will ensure a first ever season in European football but French defender Distin is concerned Pompey's recent plight could affect their performance on the big day.

Distin said: "It is important we get a reaction from the side after three games when we have not been good enough.

"We have to react now because we cannot expect to play four or five bad games and then raise the tempo just for the final.

"It is hard because everybody has a different reaction to the cup final. Some feel like they need to rest for it, some feel like they need to carry on.

"I cannot talk for the team but for me I do not think about it, I focus on the league. That is more important.

"Maybe the motivation is not altogether at the moment because we are not playing well, that is my point of view. I am not pointing at one or two players, it is the general feeling.

"Some games at the start you feel like everything is going to be okay but at the moment when I go on the pitch I feel like it is difficult and we are going to have to fight a lot if we are going to win that game. That has to change."