Source: Team_Talk
Houllier open to reunion with Owen
ew Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier has confirmed his interest in working with former Liverpool striker Michael Owen again.[LNB] Houllier, who will officially begin work at Villa Park next week, has been linked with a swoop for the Manchester United forward after sealing his own switch back to England.[LNB]The French tactician worked with the former England striker for six years during their time together at Liverpool - and the new Villa chief has not dismissed the chances of a reunion.[LNB]"He has always been in my thoughts," Houllier told Canal+. "I like him (Owen), as a player and a man."[LNB]Houllier also dismissed suggestions that Owen, 30, was no longer capable of producing goals at Premier League level.[LNB]"I went to Liverpool on September 4 for Jamie Carragher's testimonial, and I saw Michael play a half of football," he said. "He still has the legs for it."[LNB]Houllier's comments come on the same day as Owen revealed that he is growing increasingly discontented with life on the bench at Old Trafford.[LNB]"You can only do your best and prepare and train well, so that you are ready when the manager calls on you," said Owen.[LNB]"After that, it's up to the manager who he chooses.[LNB]"It sounds easy, but probably the most difficult thing is not playing for a couple of weeks and then all of a sudden getting called up and being mentally and physically right to perform well.[LNB]"At the end of the season, I'll look and think, 'Was I happy with the amount of games I was available for?', 'Did I score enough goals in the games when I played?' and 'Did I play well enough in those games?'[LNB]"You look at highlights of the season, did we win anything, things like that. But I wouldn't put any goal or appearance totals out there because, at a club like this, you never know when the manager is going to use you."
