All-Stars Women’s coach Joe Montemurro plans to showcase top A-Leagues’ talent
The A-League Women’s All Stars squad is stacked with strikepower and coach Joe Montemurro plans to unleash it in the world first exhibition match with his former side Arsenal.
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When pitted against a formidable opponent it can be tempting to throw everything into defending but A-League All Stars Women’s coach Joe Montemurro plans to do the exact opposite when the Aussie side takes on his former club Arsenal.
Montemurro has worked in women’s football for more than a decade, first with Melbourne Victory and cross-town rivals City – then with Arsenal from 2017.
During his four years at the club he won the Women’s Super League, the WSL Cup and was nominated for The Best FIFA Football Coach and UEFA Women’s Coach of the Year.
In 2020 he convinced Matildas heroes Caitlin Foord and Steph Catley to join his Arsenal squad – a move that set their careers alight.
Montemurro knows how big a game like this is not just for the players but for women’s football globally.
“It’s important we play a really exciting brand of football that really showcases the league,” Montemurro said.
“Arsenal are a world class team and what better stage to do it on than against a world class team, to show the level of talent and the good football that exists here in Australia through these great players.
“It’s a good opportunity for these players to really showcase the importance of the league in the football landscape.
“It’s the perfect setting.”
Montemurro, who is currently not attached to a club after being let go by Juventus despite leading them to another trophy, said he was looking forward to working with players he hadn’t coached before.
“It shows the level of talent in the league, players like Steph (Catley) and Caitlin (Foord) who are doing some fantastic things overseas really did prove it in the A-League and with their national team,” Montemurro said.
“This is a perfect role model situation, a perfect example of the talent and level of football that exists here in Australia within the women’s game.
“While this is as much an exhibition game for the fans, it’s the ability to showcase the league, showcase the talent that is here on the domestic scene against one of the best teams in the world.
“I’m really looking forward to a spectacle.”
Montemurro will be assisted by leading women’s coaches Emily Husband and Kat Smith.
“I’ve worked with Kat Smith at Melbourne Victory and I always knew she was going to be a top coach,” Montemurro said.
“Emily Husband I’m really looking forward to working with because she’s really come a long way with Central Coast – putting the team together and doing what she has done. Having watched a few games I’m really excited to learn and be part of a really exciting coaching setup.”
The A–League Women’s All Stars take on Arsenal at Marvel Stadium at 8pm on Friday May 24.
Tickets are still available from Ticketek.
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