Steady Does It

Pisto is fit to play, but because his stockings still have ladders in, they are leaving him for a few weeks.

Rathbone says: "When you have a hamstring strain you make very good progress in the first few days. You go from feeling it walking around to not feeling it. You can get on the exercise bike quite quickly but if you’re a professional footballer and you strain a few fibres then it is going to be several weeks at least." (07/04/05)

Out of Action

Pisto has strained his hamstring and will be out for up to 3 weeks after coming off in the 1-0 defeat at WBA.
Head Physio Mick 'Baz' Rathbone says: “Alessandro has strained his hamstring. It looks relatively minor, but you know it could be several weeks.” (03/04/05)

Contract Talks

Pisto has had initial talks with Everton, regarding a new contract for next season.

Sandro says: "I am talking about a new contract. We have not got too far but hopefully I can be part of this team next season as well." (03/02/05)

In Our Own Hands

Despite the defeat in the derby, Sandro thinks Everton will still be in the driving seat come the end of the season.

Pisto says: "We still have a four-point lead so it is up to the rest to catch us if they can. It is in our hands. It is getting closer but we have the advantage. It has been a fantastic season for us until now but it is not finished, we have six weeks left and we must stick together and fight.

I did not expect to be in this position when we started the season, certainly not trying to become a Champions League team, but we are here, we got points right at the beginning and that gave us belief. We had some fine results early on against Manchester United, Manchester City and apart from the first game when we were badly beaten by Arsenal we have done very, very well.

But there is no pressure, we did not expect to be here and nobody expects us to stay here. We are determined to finish the job. We just have to do it now, we must finish off what we have started. From now on every game is going to be huge because we are trying to achieve something outstanding." (02/04/05)

The Fans Deserve It

Pisto, last season was that skilful injury prone waster. This season he has put together some great performances including his star man against Charlton, and also his longest ever run of consecutive games in English football.

He was allowed home before the Christmas games along with Thomas Gravesen and Joseph Yobo so they could celebrate Christmas with their families abroad. A great gesture by Moyesy. While in Italy, Sandro was surprised by the attention he and Everton have been receiving in his native country.

Sandro says: "Many people came to me in Italy and congratulated me on how well we are doing. I have many friends who were talking to me about it, but even journalists were calling me and asking me about what we are doing. Everybody wants to know the secret because it was not expected. But it is great for everybody because the fans who live in this city deserve that. What we are doing has taken people by surprise and that has brought us the attention. That can only be good for the club and the players." (29/12/04)

Bring It On

Sandro Pistone believes this Xmas will be more difficult than ever, as teams will be trying even harder to turn the Blues over, due to their lofty heights in the Premiership. With Everton's thread bare squad doing so well of late, Pisto is delighted that even when we perform badly, like at Blackburn, the team still can keep a clean sheet.

Sandro was at Bellefield today showing the office girls his sack, as he gave out the Christmas presents from the players. Three of the staff were ok, but two had to be given treatment by Paramedics at the scene.They are expected to make a full recovery.

Pisto says: "Teams will play us and they’ll want to beat us because we’re doing so well. We didn’t lose on Saturday, that’s a great point, and we didn’t concede any goals. The most important thing is a clean sheet. A clean sheet gives us confidence, even when you have a bad day, to finish the game without conceding a goal is a good result. Everybody who will face us will try to beat us because we’re there now. It’s a great position to be in.

It’s busy but it’s busy for everybody. We have to keep concentrating, continue what we have been doing and hopefully we can keep getting the results. This is definitely the toughest period in the season because there are so many games with not much time to recover. We have a small team so we just have to concentrate and be a bit lucky in terms of not having any injuries." (20/12/04)

Playing For A New Contract

Last season Moyesy had a swipe at the talented Italian, saying he wished Sandro would make himself available for more games. He was saying what all the fans knew, that if sandro got a knock, he would be out for a few weeks. His attitude has now changed completely and he has seen off David Unsworth and kept Gary Naysmith on the sidelines.

Pisto says: “I want to be here for many years to come. It would be great. I like the club and I know the fans and what they expect and I know what we can achieve here and I want to be a part of it.That decision is not in my hands and nothing’s been mentioned to me in that respect just yet, but I will just keep on doing my best for the club, whether I get offered a new contract or not That’s what I get paid for!

This season it’s easier to play well because everyone is giving 100%. It’s like we’re playing with 12 players in every game! Playing without injury really helped me and a settled side has helped us build and get good results. Winning has given us confidence and I think we are playing better now than we were at the start of the season. Things can’t get much better.The team spirit here is the best it has ever been and the derby win has taken it to another level. We knew that the result was so important for the club and the fans. To win that game, a derby game, in front of our own fans at Goodison Park is an absolutely amazing feeling." (17/12/04)

We Want Europe

Our own Pippy Long Stocking had a stormer in Saturday's Derby game. At the start of the season, he had something to prove and he has. Playing better as the season goes on.

Sandro says: “I’d say it was the high point of my Everton career so far. It’s a combination of things. The way we are playing at the moment, the way we are getting results, our great team spirit and the fact that we are now second. It’s a great, great season. I think we deserved to win. It’s difficult to pick out any individual players everybody did well. It’s always difficult to see a good derby in terms of quality, but everybody gave 100% in every tackle, everybody was there when needed and that was the difference.”

“At one point you have to stop, look around and see, because now is nearly the half-way point of the season. We have now played virtually everybody and we did well with everybody, apart from the first game of the season, so we can go out and be confident against everybody. I would say Europe is the minimum requirement, but it would be a great thing to achieve. I think everybody is looking to Europe now and the Champions League is a possibility.” (14/12/04)

Stay Forever

'Sandro Pistone is happy to end his career at the Blues. The Italian full back has been an integral part of an Everton back four that has performed so well this season. 'Sandro the sex god, was said to be touched by a request to the Everton board by all the female office staff, that if 'Sandro left, they would down tools immediately.

'Sandro says: "From my point of view, I have only ever wanted to be in the team and playing, not because my contract is running out but because I want to play and I want to be giving 100% to the club. I don't want to sit on the side and watch the others playing, I want to be a part of things. I would like to stay at Everton for the rest of my career. That is why I always give 100%, be it in training or playing. That is all I can do.

Personally, I am pleased because for the first time in a while I am playing without any problems and I am training every day. That is really important. I would say my performance levels are increasing because the team is doing well. When you perform as a team it is a lot better for everybody and that is what we are doing this season.

It has definitely been pleasing to be a part of a side doing so well. Tactically we are working a lot as a team during the week, which makes it better for everybody. I am pleased that we are getting good results but I am especially pleased that we have been putting in some good performances as well. When you are a regular part of the team and you are regularly getting good results it is a different world. Everything feels good. We are conceding a lot less goals compared to last season." (23/10/04)

Confident of Cup Run

Pisto is confident of carrying the league form over to the cup competitions, and he even fancies us to go all the way. Go Sandro!

Sandro says: “People are starting to think a lot differently about us. We just have to keep this run going, we’re doing great in the Premiership, so hopefully we can transfer that form to the Carling Cup. I don’t know much about Bristol City, but we know that if we play to our strengths and play as a team, we’ll get a result. Everyone is playing very well and that’s important. No player can do everything on his own. We have to play together.

We want to win every game, but we also want to win the Carling Cup. It’s great to win a trophy and it’s great to get into Europe. It would be brilliant for the fans and for the entire club if were we to progress and win the Cup. Everyone is focused on doing their best. We have confidence in ourselves and in each other. We don’t want to let the team, the fans or ourselves down by not getting through to the next round. Whoever we play we’re going to give 100%. We haven’t had much time after the Middlesbrough game. We had the day off on Monday, had a training session at Bellefield on Tuesday and I’m sure we’ll have a few when we’re down in Bristol. But we’re all in good shape and eager to win.” (22/09/04)

Lefty

Even though he is not everybodys cup of tea with socks rolled above his knees and his hair more important to him than the ball, we expect Sandro to play an important role for the Toffeemen this season. He has played at right back, left back and covered at centre back. All this in the first four games.

Sandro says: "Left is definitely my favoured side but as long as I'm playing I don't mind. I want to play for Everton and wether I play on the right or left doesn't matter."(08/09/04)

Slight Knock

Moyesy's only injury worry ahead of The Copa De Tejas is 'Sandro Pistone who has an Achilles problem. We believe the Italian defender may be in a bit of trouble with the Gaffer, as after skipping training with his injury, he was spotted sloping off to the nearest sun centre, for a fifteen minute session.

Moyesy says: "We are fine generally, the only problem we have is that Alessandro Pistone will miss a day or two with Achilles tendonitis.
Hopefully Alessandro’s problem is not that serious and he will be able to join in with us later this week." (26/07/04)

Critical Period

This season's Premiership campaign is a critical one according to 'Sandro Pistone. 'Sandro who has got a degree in Stating The Fuckin' Obvious, was talking about the forthcoming season whilst away training in Austria.

Sex God Sandro says: "After a good season two years ago last season was hugely disappointing and it is vital we can return to the consistent form of 2002/03. I hope this season that is coming is going to be my season in terms of staying completely free from injury and I am really looking forward to playing a big a part as possible.
I feel good. I twisted my ankle in the second to last game of the season and that was the reason I missed the game against Manchester City. But I have been working on the ankle over the summer and there are no problems now.
The pre-season is always the hardest period. You come from a period of rest and then you have to get fit as soon as possible for the beginning of the season. It is easier coming away as a group as there is no distraction and you can focus 100% on the training, there is good weather and it all helps. It is important because you can work properly and structure your training from the running to the work with the ball and looking at tactics." (14/07/04)

Sandro Last Season