Source: Team_Talk
Carew matter is over - Houllier
Gerard Houllier insists outspoken Aston Villa striker John Carew has not played his last game for the Midlands club.[LNB] Houllier and Carew were involved in a public spat before and after the weekend clash with Fulham at Craven Cottage.[LNB]Carew claimed in an interview in his native Norway that comments attributed to Houllier were "disrespectful" in asking him to prove he deserved a new contract.[LNB]The Villa boss responded by accusing Carew of "being stupid" and "living in the past".[LNB]But Houllier is adamant today his views on Carew were taken out of context and he assembled the whole squad at Bodymoor Heath to make that clear.[LNB]Houllier said: "We had a meeting with the whole team to clarify things.[LNB]"There was a discrepancy between my words which were full of praise for John Carew, and what was put up in the Norwegian press.[LNB]"John realised that, and that had to be clarified in front of everybody.[LNB]"The matter is over. I don't want to talk about it anymore."[LNB]Carew is currently sidelined with a torn calf and will be sidelined for three to four weeks.[LNB]But Houllier, when asked if Carew would play for Villa again, said: "He is a player for Aston Villa and when he is fit, he will be in contention for playing."[LNB]Villa have collected only three points from the last five games but Houllier believes their performances have deserved a greater tangible reward.[LNB]They led at Fulham on Saturday before being denied by an injury-time equaliser.[LNB]Houllier said: "It is just a shame because when you consider we only have one point from the Tottenham, Sunderland and Fulham games.[LNB]"Maybe, I would say, a minimum of four or five points would have been more reflecting of the reality of the game.[LNB]"Sometimes in the league you have to go through those things. Maybe there are some games we will win without not totally deserving it."[LNB]Houllier admitted: "We need to be less wasteful as we were because a couple of times we had the result and we let it go. That will come.[LNB]"We need to be more clinical first of all when we have got the chances.[LNB]"Sometimes it is good to know you can create chances but being more clinical when you get them would help.[LNB]"That is the main point really but we have to keep our football, keep our belief in what we are doing.[LNB]"I knew that sometimes it would be frustrating because the result won't follow the quality of our game.[LNB]"But, at the end of the day, you are always saved by the quality of your game."[LNB]Houllier is full of admiration for Blackpool and manager Ian Holloway after their encouraging start to life in the Premier League.[LNB]He said: "I have seen some of their games on TV and DVD and I must praise their manager.[LNB]"It is a very entertaining team that play with attacking spirit.[LNB]"It is refreshing for football. It is a good side and it will be a good and exciting game tomorrow."
