By Alice de Koster-Kitto 2/6/25
Above: Joe Montemurro. Photo: Football Australia
Football Australia has announced Joe Montemurro’s appointment as head coach of the Matildas, with his tenure looking to extend to at least the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics
“To be given the opportunity to lead, I think probably one of the best brands in the world, one of the most exciting teams in the world, and to do it at home and do it with a level of pride for me is something quite emotional,” Montemurro told the media.
The announcement comes a year on from the departure of Tony Gustavsson, who led the national team from 2020-2024. Since the departure of Gustavsson and the instatement of interim coach Tom Sermanni, rumours have been swirling over who the next head of the Matildas would be, with Montemurro’s name being in the mix from day one.
“It was always in the back of my mind, it was always here.”
Though there has been interest in Montemurros future with Football Australia looming over the past months, the news, was finally confirmed alongside the CEO of Football Australia, Heather Garriock, in Sydney this morning, and was confirmed that the decision wasn’t in official talks, until the past few days, with Montemurro assuring he, “signed the contract in the 31st of May and here I am.”
“I want to win. I want to win playing a great brand of football, I want to win because I know the nation will be behind the successes we’re gonna have.”
Montemurro has faith that “a clear vision for the CommBank Matildas will create a situation here, that every young female player dreams of the opportunities that are gonna be given to them”, and Football Australia CEO reiterates his approach, assuring that his vision “aligns with our federations, ambitious to be world leaders in the world game – now is our time”
The CommBank Matildas have experienced incredible highs and lows over the past few years, from a home World Cup in 2023, exceeding expectations, to an early exit from the 2024 Paris Olympics, and now Montemurro’s wealth of experience, high success rate, is looking to get the national team to an ideal place ahead of one of the most crucial periods for the Matildas in recent history.
“We are at an exciting moment for the Matildas, with the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 nine months away, we expect this team to be focused, driven, and ready to show the world what we believe they are capable of.”
Montemurro’s experience dates back to 2014, when he was appointed head coach of Melbourne Victory followed by Melbourne City. His career expanded to Europe, as he took on a new role at Arsenal in 2017, lifting the 2018/19 WSL trophy with the English giants, going on to coach the Matilda’s own Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord. He would later extend his European success with Italian side Juventus, and eventually carry Ellie Carpenter’s Olympique Lyonnais to their 18th Première Ligue title.
“We want to control, we want to have the ball, we want to control the game even when we don’t have the ball, its very very important that all phases of the game are in a way, controlled”
The style of football Montemurro has developed over his time in Europe will be invaluable to this current Matildas side. While finding great success overseas, Montemurro has not lost his dedication to Australian football, returning to Australia to coach the A-League All Stars squad, in a clash against Arsenal in May 2024.
“It’s going to be a process of working with the teams underneath and creating that sustainability, it’s what I love to do”
Among his dedication to developing the current Matildas squad, Montumurro also comes into the job, looking to the future, with a focus on bringing in younger players, to create a solid foundation, so the Australian side can shine for years ahead.
“Working with the 20s, working with the 17s, but putting in processes now that every player has an opportunity, everybody has a chance”
“Is the Asian Cup winnable? Of course it is.”
Though he comes in just nine months ahead of the Asian Cup, he sings the praises of Tom Sermanni for setting up a system that has made this tournament, and the crucial period ahead of it, so accessible as a coach.
“Tom’s been able to do sort of a bit of a process of bringing in some players, giving opportunities to some players, stabilising the situation, and then from there we can bring it forward.”
Though he is sure he can make something special of an already treasured, and successful national team, Montemurro assures “It’s not going to happen overnight. You’re not gonna see the first game I take over, we’re getting 85% possession.”
“I’m here because of the love of the game.”
Above all Joe Montemurro looks to bring the care, and expertise to the CommBank Matildas, and to the game, that is deserved.
“The only promise I make is that we will play an exciting brand of football, and that the integrity and the level of respect of the Matildas will always be at the top of my thinking.”
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