Joe Montemurro, head coach of the Matildas, calls for an end to Australian football’s “inferiority complex”. Still, he thinks the time is ripe to shift the conversation about the sport in Australia. The Matildas are preparing to take on New Zealand again, this time in Adelaide, on Tuesday night. This game will be both team’s final warm-up before the Asian Cup, set to start in March.
Montemurro’s comments echo those made by Alen Stajcic, the Matildas’ former coach who led the team from September 2014 until January 2019. Stajcic, now coaching A-League Men’s club Western Sydney, has emphasized the need for unity within Australian football, a sentiment Montemurro wholeheartedly supports.
A Crucial Fixture
The news from Europe is hugely encouraging, but the next friendly against New Zealand will be a crucial test for the Matildas as they prepare for the Asian Cup. Yet however relaxed the atmosphere, Montemurro is well aware of just how important this friendly match can be. It provides an opportunity to assess the team’s readiness and foster a sense of camaraderie among the players before they return to their clubs.
After the match, Montemurro voiced the need to improve communication with his squad. His focus is making sure players feel empowered and connected as they come together to face a big road that lies ahead.
Embracing Strengths
Montemurro highlighted the talent within Australian football, asserting that the nation boasts “coaches all around the world” and “top players all around the world at top clubs.” He feels their success is a reflection of the country’s footballing strength.
“So we must be doing something right and we should be celebrating that,” – Joe Montemurro
He urged stakeholders to build on this strength, using it as a jumping-off point for continued growth. Montemurro said that he would like to see Australian football move away from a focus of fighting factions, towards working together for the further development of players.
Confronting Challenges
Stajcic’s earlier comments regarding infighting in Australian football resonate with Montemurro’s perspective. The former coach stated, “We’re infighting all the time. We’re like two seagulls fighting over one chip.” He argued that the relentless Australian football navel-gazing was misplaced.
“I’ve said this from day one, that I think sometimes we put ourselves down for no reason,” – Joe Montemurro
Montemurro’s alignment with Stajcic’s views underscores a growing acknowledgment among coaches and players that unity is essential for progress in the sport.
