New Matildas coach Joe Montemurro says ‘generational change’ is occurring

New Matildas coach Joe Montemurro is seeking the right ‘balance’ in his squad ahead of next year’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

New Matildas coach Joe Montemurro is encouraged by the “generational change” that’s occurring in the national women’s squad ahead of next year’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

Montemurro’s Matildas’ tenure officially started on Monday after his appointment as coach was announced earlier this month during Australia’s two game-series against Argentina.

The matches were the final games on Tom Sermanni’s interim coaching stint, with an Australian squad minus a host of its star players – including Sam Kerr, Mary Fowler, Katrina Gorry, Ellie Carpenter and Hayley Raso – winning 2-0 and 4-1 in Melbourne and Canberra respectively.

A host of fringe players – including Kahli Johnson, Amy Sayer, Jamilla Rankin, Leah Davidson and Bryleeh Henry – were given chances to prove themselves, with Montemurro happy with what he saw.

Kahli Johnson impressed for the Matildas against Argentina. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

“The reality is there is a generational change,” the former coach of the female teams at Arsenal, Juventus and Lyon said.

“What we saw over the last few games is that there is an exciting group coming through.

“Part of my role is to make sure we have a level of sustainability through all the age groups.

“We have the opportunity to give players the opportunity to be part of the Matildas and give them every chance to ply their trade at the right level and at the highest level … (but) we need to find balance. It’s not something we can do overnight.”

A blend of experience and youth is expected in Montemurro’s maiden Matildas squad for the upcoming games in Western Australia against Slovenia (June 26 and June 29), and Panama (July 5 and July 8).

Montemurro promised a Matildas “environment” that was “safe, humble and honest”.

“That’s the best starting point,” he said.

“It’s a collective humility, it’s a collective honesty and it’s a collective selflessness.”

However, any hopes that teenage midfielder Indiana Dos Santos had of being part of Montemurro’s first squad have been dashed after the Sydney FC star ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in her keen during a Future Matildas program last week.

Dos Santos, 17, was awarded the A-League women’s young footballer of the year prize.

“I believe in God’s plan, even when I don’t understand it,” Dos Santos wrote in a social media post.

“This journey won’t be easy, but with the love and support I have around me I can accomplish anything.”

Originally published as New Matildas coach Joe Montemurro says ‘generational change’ is occurring