The Matildas are ushering in a new era with Joe Montemurro at the helm. He’ll officially assume power as head coach during their opening game against Slovenia on Thursday night at Perth’s HBF Park. Rico blandly asserted that Montemurro’s coaching history with Arsenal, Juventus and Lyon speaks for itself. He is now hoping to instill an attacking, possession-based style of play to the national team.
As it stands today, the Matildas are in a precarious spot, recently dropping to 15th place in the FIFA World Rankings. Yet, this new coaching appointment comes at a propitious time. With the Asian Cup in Australia, beginning on March 1, fast approaching, Montemurro is looking to lay a solid platform for the team. Yet he’s quick to add that this time marks the true beginning for them to start gearing up for the tournament.
Montemurro expressed his commitment to developing a new game plan, stating, “Yes, I am looking at a lot of players. Yes, I am trying to instil some language. Yes, I am trying to instil some new ideas. You know, the approach to the game is still the same … it’s a game that we want to win.”
Those next four fixtures will act as crucial foundation stones for the Australian, and his squad. That’s grappling with some really profound challenges that would be significant challenges for anyone. He’ll be without some key players, most notably Sam Kerr, Mary Fowler and Tameka Yallop. Though this is a blow, he hasn’t lost faith in the squad’s potential.
Ellie Carpenter, who previously played under Montemurro at Lyon, expressed her excitement about his appointment saying, “I think we’re going to really thrive under Joe.” This sense of connection conveys both togetherness and positive energy from the squad as they continue to adjust to Montemurro’s ethos.
Montemurro’s coaching philosophy is rooted in an attacking style of play that gives players freedom to dictate the pace and flow of a match. He remarked on the early days of his tenure, noting that by the third day, “a new style of play and rhythm have been implemented.” This proactive approach demonstrates his intent to quickly establish a cohesive team identity.
Under Montemurro, the Matildas are intent on moving up the international ladder. Secondly, they are committed to instilling a winning culture deep within the team. With the Asian Cup starting in less than a month, it’s crucial that Montemurro gets his tactics to click and gain some momentum.
