Coaching Carousel in Arkema Première Ligue: Montemurro Linked to Australian National Team
The Arkema Première Ligue, France’s top women’s football league, is experiencing significant upheaval in its coaching ranks. Following the dismissal of Paris Saint-Germain’s head coach Fabrice Abriel earlier this week, speculation is mounting that Lyon’s manager, Joe Montemurro, is also poised to depart at the end of the current season.
According to reports in the respected French sports newspaper L’Équipe, Montemurro’s future is already determined. The publication suggests that he is heavily favored to take over the reins of the Australian national team, his home country, despite having a year remaining on his contract with Olympique Lyonnais Féminin. This potential move would mark a significant shift in Montemurro’s career and a homecoming for the experienced coach.
Montemurro arrived at Lyon last summer, tasked with filling the considerable void left by the departure of Sonia Bompastor, a highly successful manager who had guided the team to numerous domestic and European titles. Expectations were understandably high for the Australian coach, given Lyon’s historical dominance in French and European women’s football. However, his tenure at the club has been marked by a series of disappointing results and performances, falling short of the ambitious targets set by the club’s hierarchy.
One of the most significant setbacks for Montemurro and Lyon this season was their elimination from the UEFA Women’s Champions League at the semi-final stage. Facing Arsenal, a team Montemurro previously managed with considerable success, Lyon suffered a heavy aggregate defeat (2-1, 1-4). The loss was particularly painful for Lyon, as they had aspirations of reclaiming their status as the leading force in European women’s football. The defeat also raised questions about Montemurro’s tactical approach and his ability to motivate the team in crucial moments.
Further adding to the pressure on Montemurro was Lyon’s early exit from the Coupe de France, the French domestic cup competition. In a shocking result, Lyon were eliminated in the round of 32 by Reims after a penalty shootout (0-0, 9-10 on penalties). This defeat not only ended Lyon’s hopes of winning a domestic double but also highlighted the team’s struggles to break down defensively organized opponents. The loss to Reims was widely viewed as a major embarrassment for a club of Lyon’s stature and further fueled speculation about Montemurro’s future.
Despite these disappointments, Montemurro still has an opportunity to leave Lyon on a positive note. The team is currently competing in the semi-finals of the Championnat, the French league championship. A victory against Dijon in the semi-final would secure Lyon’s place in the final and give Montemurro a chance to win a major trophy before potentially departing for Australia. Winning the Championnat would undoubtedly be a significant achievement and would help to restore some of the luster that has been lost during his tenure.
The potential appointment of Montemurro as the Australian national team coach would be a significant coup for Australian football. He is a highly respected and experienced coach with a proven track record of success at both club and international levels. During his time at Arsenal, he transformed the team into a major force in English women’s football, winning the FA Women’s Super League title and reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League. He is known for his tactical acumen, his ability to develop young players, and his commitment to playing attractive, attacking football.
The Australian national team, known as the Matildas, is currently one of the leading teams in women’s football. They have consistently performed well in major international tournaments, including the World Cup and the Olympic Games. The team is led by a number of world-class players, including Sam Kerr, widely regarded as one of the best strikers in the world. However, the Matildas have yet to win a major international trophy, and the appointment of Montemurro would be seen as a major step towards achieving that goal. His experience and tactical expertise could provide the team with the edge they need to finally break through and win a major tournament.
The timing of Montemurro’s potential appointment is also significant. Australia and New Zealand are co-hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023, providing the Matildas with a unique opportunity to compete for the title on home soil. The appointment of a coach with Montemurro’s experience and pedigree would undoubtedly boost the team’s chances of success at the tournament.
The departure of both Fabrice Abriel and potentially Joe Montemurro highlights the volatile nature of coaching in professional football. Even at the highest levels of the game, coaches are often under immense pressure to deliver results, and their jobs can be precarious. The high expectations and intense scrutiny that come with managing top clubs can take a toll, and sometimes a change of scenery is necessary for both the coach and the team. The Arkema Première Ligue is sure to see continued changes and new faces as teams strive for dominance. The focus now shifts to Lyon, awaiting the conclusion of their season and the official confirmation of Montemurro’s next chapter, which appears increasingly likely to be back home in Australia. His legacy in Lyon will be judged on whether he can secure the Championnat title, a final flourish to an otherwise turbulent season.
