Joe Montemurro takes over as coach of Australia's Matildas
- Joe Montemurro returns to Australia after coaching in Europe for over a decade.
- The Matildas have been without a permanent coach since Tony Gustavsson's departure after a poor performance at the Paris Olympics.
- Montemurro aims to build a competitive team while developing young talent and preparing for major tournaments.
In early June 2025, Joe Montemurro was officially appointed as the head coach of the Australian Women's National Team, commonly known as The Matildas. This position marks his return to Australia after spending a significant portion of his coaching career in Europe with clubs like Arsenal, Juventus, and Lyon. His appointment comes after a turbulent period for the Matildas, particularly following their disappointing performance in the Paris Olympics, where they did not advance beyond the group stage. Tony Gustavsson, the previous coach, stepped down in the aftermath of this disappointing run, leaving the team without a permanent leader for some time. Football Australia initiated a comprehensive search process to find a suitable replacement for Gustavsson, aiming to revitalize the team and restore its competitive edge. During this search, Tom Sermanni temporarily took charge of the team, but his tenure was short-lived as the federation sought a coach with world-class experience and a keen understanding of the Australian football landscape. Joe Montemurro stood out as a prime candidate due to his successful background in coaching elite women's teams in Europe and his connection to Australian soccer. As the 15th full-time head coach of The Matildas, Montemurro expressed his excitement and honor at the opportunity to lead the team into a new phase. He emphasized his desire to build on the achievements of the past while developing a playing style that excites and unites the country. Montemurro also highlighted the potential of the talented young players emerging in Australian football, indicating a focus on both short-term success and long-term development. His initial task includes leading the team through upcoming matches, including a double-header against Slovenia and games against Panama. Montemurro's appointment is significant for the future of women's soccer in Australia, particularly with key tournaments like the Asian Cup and the next Women's World Cup on the horizon. He is aware of the legacy he inherits and aims to harness the team's momentum. Montemurro's coaching philosophy revolves around creating a team that possesses the ball and controls the game, preparing to build a competitive squad that pays homage to the sport's growing popularity in Australia.