Aussie Coach Joe Montemurro Back in the Game!
It's official! Joe Montemurro, the highly respected coach with a trophy cabinet to rival most museums, is returning to Australia to lead the Matildas. The news broke yesterday, sending shockwaves—or rather, joyous waves—through the Australian football community. After a stellar decade coaching top women's teams in Europe, he's coming home.
A Decade of European Domination
Seriously, this guy's resume is insane. We're talking league titles with Arsenal, Juventus, and Lyon. I mean, that's not just winning, that's consistently winning at the highest level. He's earned his stripes, and then some. His experience isn't just about winning games; it’s about building teams that play beautiful, attacking football—something I think the Matildas are going to find really exciting.
Before his European adventure, Montemurro made a name for himself in Australia, leading Melbourne City to an undefeated championship season. That success wasn't a fluke. I've seen him work, and he knows his stuff. He genuinely understands what it takes to succeed.
- Melbourne City: Premiership & Championship wins
- Arsenal: Women’s Super League title, FA Women’s League Cup title
- Juventus: Serie A title, Coppa Italia titles
- Lyon: Première Ligue title
What This Means for the Matildas
For the Matildas, this feels like a breath of fresh air. After their amazing World Cup run last year, followed by a less-than-stellar Olympics, they've been without a permanent coach, which honestly must have been pretty tough. Their form has dropped as a result of this, so it's exciting to have some stability. Montemurro brings a deep understanding of the Australian football landscape, combined with that top-level European expertise. The potential for growth under his leadership is immense.
“To be appointed Head Coach of the CommBank Matildas is the honour of a lifetime,” Montemurro said in a statement. “This team means so much to so many Australians, and I’m humbled by the opportunity to help shape its next chapter.” And you know what? I believe him. You could feel his genuine passion for the team just from the statements released.
Heather Garriock, Football Australia's interim CEO, echoed this sentiment. She emphasized that they conducted a thorough search, highlighting Montemurro's world-class experience and his understanding of what's needed to compete globally. She feels — and I think most of the country feels too — he is the perfect fit.
The Road Ahead
The Asian Cup is next year, then World Cup qualifying, then the Olympics. The Matildas have a packed schedule ahead, and a lot of pressure on them. But with Montemurro at the helm, I have a feeling they're in really good hands. I'm personally excited to see what this new chapter brings for them, and for Australian women's football overall. The future looks bright!
Montemurro officially starts on June 16th. Let the games begin!
