‘Honour of a lifetime’: Joe Montemurro appointed as new Matildas coach

Football Australia has finally confirmed the new coach of the Matildas after a lengthy wait following Tony Gustavsson’s departure.

Joe Montemurro says being appointed Matildas coach is the “honour of a lifetime”.

Montemurro’s expected appointment as coach of the national women’s football team was confirmed on Monday by Football Australia.

“To be appointed head coach of the Matildas is the honour of a lifetime,” said the 55-year-old Melbourne-born mentor, whose previous jobs included title-winning stints as coach of the women’s teams of Arsenal, Juventus and most recently Lyon.

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“This team means so much to so many Australians, and I’m humbled by the opportunity to help shape its next chapter.

“I’ve followed their incredible journey closely and am energised by the passion, resilience, and identity they’ve built.

“There’s a generation of talent coming through and major tournaments on the horizon.

“My job is to honour the legacy, harness the momentum, and help this team play football that inspires and unites the country.”

Joe Montemurro has been named as the Matildas’ new coach. (Photo by Jonathan DiMaggio/Getty Images for APL)

The Matildas defeated Argentina 2-0 in a friendly on Friday. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)

Montemurro will replace interim Matildas coach Tom Sermanni, whose final game in charge will be Australia’s clash with Argentina on Monday night.

Sermanni was appointed interim coach in September last year soon after the departure of Tony Gustavsson following the Matildas’ poor Olympic Games campaign.

Football Australia interim chief executive Heather Garriock said Montemurro brought “world-class experience, a deep understanding of the Australian football landscape, and a genuine connection to our national identity”.

“Importantly, he has spent the last decade coaching at the very highest levels of the women’s game in Europe and brings with him an unparalleled understanding of what is required to compete and succeed at the top of modern football,” Garriock said of Montemurro, who before heading to Europe coached the women’s teams at Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory.

“Joe has shown an ability to build high-performing teams that play with tactical clarity and attacking intent, and we believe his vision and values are the perfect fit to lead the next era of the Matildas with professionalism, vision and distinction.”

Originally published as ‘Honour of a lifetime’: Joe Montemurro appointed as new Matildas coach