John Carew pleased with life under Gerard Houllier at Aston Villa
John Carew, Aston Villa's top scorer in the past three seasons, has praised the tactics being instilled by new manager Gerard Houllier at the club.
Houllier took over the Villa post from Martin O'Neill, who left the club in a row over transfer policy just before the start of the Premier League season.
The Frenchman has previously managed several clubs, including Liverpool and Olympique Lyonnais, where he was joined by Carew between 2005 and 2007. The towering striker is pleased to have been reunited with Houllier at Villa.
"We're working much more on the tactical side and that's good," the Norwegian told Express & Star. "We're doing more on possession play, on defensive organisation, offensive organisation. We are doing more of that and that's really good. I think that will
show in results over the whole season, as we know more what to do and where to be."
Villa, who have been tipped by some to challenge for a spot in the top four of the Premier League this season, are eighth in the table with 11 points and eight games played.
The team's performances have lacked consistency, ranging from a 6–0 thumping by Newcastle United to a solid 1–0 victory against Everton, but Carew said Villa are bound to find their form.
"We work hard on new things and that's what we're all interested in, that's what we're here for, to make this club better and make the results better, to achieve goals and improve each season."
Soon to return to full fitness
The 31-year-old, who scored in Norway's Euro 2012 qualifier against Cyprus earlier this month, said he is due to make a return from injury, starting with Villa's league fixture against Sunderland on Saturday, 23 October.
"I'm feeling like my form and fitness is coming back so now I'm hoping to be a bigger part of the team again now. I just need to get my physical state back to 100 per cent again."
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