Aston Villa: Revealed - Full extent of John Carew's astonishing attack on Gerard Houllier with showdown talks looming

Nov 8 2010 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail

* Houllier tells Carew he is stupid to keep living in the past

* Strong chance fans favourite has now played his last game for Villa

* Carew claims Houllier was unprepared for job at Villa

JOHN Carew faces showdown talks to save his Villa career today as the Birmingham Mail reveals the full extent of his astonishing verbal attack on Gerard Houllier.

Carew and Houllier became embroiled in a bitter row after the injured targetman took exception to his boss’s challenge in the Mail to prove he deserves a new contract.

The Norwegian striker accused Houllier of disrespecting him and “the fans who sing my name week in, week out” during an explosive Scandinavian newspaper interview.

Houllier hit back by branding Carew “stupid” and telling him to “shut up” and stop “living in the past” following Villa’s 1-1 draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

And the Villa manager has now fumed that he will not risk his own job by pandering to the “paranoia” of Carew, who is out for up to a month with a torn calf.

There is a strong possibility that the fallen fans’ favourite has played his last match in claret and blue with Houllier demanding urgent talks with him at Bodymoor Heath today. “I will speak to him on Monday, of course,” said Houllier.

“I won’t call you (the press) to speak to him. I understand that he called you to put this in.

“I think it is a bit of paranoia. Simple. We don’t want to talk about John Carew, we want to talk about the game.

“I’m not questioning him! Sorry. Listen, I was asked if it was a good opportunity for him – I said ‘Yes’. If I said ‘No….’

“I said yes and it’s as simple as that. So what is written in the press I don’t mind.

“I like John but if the fans chant his name and the end product is nothing, then fans will chant ‘Houllier go home’.