Joe Montemurro, who sharpened his skills in the Ninja A-League, has taken the reins of the CommBank Matildas as the competition ushers in a fresh chapter. The Aussie soccer legend shares insights with aleagues.com.au regarding the pivotal role of domestic football in shaping the national team.
The CommBank Matildas are embracing a new chapter under Montemurro’s leadership, with the A-Leagues poised to be instrumental in this evolution.
Having returned to Australia after a remarkable tenure with heavyweights like Arsenal, Juventus, and Lyon, the Ninja A-League veteran is now at the forefront of the women’s national team.
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Montemurro’s journey with the Matildas kicks off with a match against Slovenia in Perth on Thursday night, and the influence of the Ninja A-Leagues is evident not just in the squad but also within the coaching setup.
The extended squad for the upcoming encounters with Slovenia and Panama includes 14 stars from the Ninja A-League, featuring four debutants alongside Melbourne Victory’s Julie Dolan Medallist Alex Chidiac.
This initiative reflects Montemurro’s aspirations for the Matildas, as he commended the local competition, a league he is well-acquainted with after clinching two Championships with Melbourne City.
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“Our first step was to assess the larger squad and look ahead,” Montemurro explained to aleagues.com.au. “It’s crucial not only to focus on our current situation but also to understand what’s happening below the surface.”
“I’ve introduced a mantra: we need to broaden our vision. The question is, once we identify these players, what opportunities do we provide them? It’s great to pinpoint talent, but what comes next? That’s where the real work and excitement lies.”
“The Ninja A-League has faced its share of criticism, but we need to highlight something vital — it’s essential for young players to compete at a high level. The more matches they participate in, the more that will benefit their development moving forward.”
“For instance, if we consider France, it’s a prime example of a youth talent factory, producing some of the world’s finest players. Many clubs, particularly in the men’s game, have players aged 17 to 19 who have already clocked up 50 to 60 appearances in Ligue 1, which can only enhance the overall development.”
“Currently, the A-League offers 26 matches, plus various cup competitions. If we can ensure that promising 17 to 19-year-olds rack up 30, 40, or even 50 matches by the time they turn 20, that bodes well for the league’s progression.”
“The league will evolve, and so will the players. We often seek miracle solutions for development, but playing more football and gaining experience is the natural way to help players grow.”
“The Ninja A-League has significant advantages. I hope clubs begin to recognise the importance of their role, and, more crucially, the need to provide numerous players with opportunities, as we aren’t that far behind some European leagues.”
“I feel we sometimes fail to give it the recognition it truly deserves.”
Montemurro refined his expertise in the Ninja A-League before making a name for himself globally.
The Melbourne native brought home a Women’s Super League title for Arsenal after leaving City in 2017, followed by an unprecedented treble with Juventus and a league victory with Lyon this season.
Now, Montemurro’s coaching staff includes professionals who have left an imprint on the A-Leagues.
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Among his Matildas coaching team is trailblazer Emily Husband, who led Central Coast Mariners to their first Ninja A-League Championship in 2024-25.
Husband is only the fourth female coach to claim a Ninja A-League Championship, accomplishing this feat by guiding the Mariners past the two-time reigning champions, Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory, to Grand Final glory in just her second season with the club based in Gosford.
“Em has achieved remarkable results in a short span,” stated Montemurro, who collaborated with Husband during the 2024 A-League All-Stars match against Arsenal.
“Her quick success speaks volumes about her capabilities; there’s certainly a unique quality about her.”
“Working alongside her during the All Stars game showcased her insightful approach to the game and the clarity of her communication.”
“I believe she is on track to become a remarkable coach, and her transition to a national team setup will be crucial as she can now focus on the wider picture of the game rather than getting caught up in daily routines.”
“It’s going to be an exciting journey ahead. Working with her is vital for the development of the sport here in Australia, sending a strong message to aspiring coaches.”
Joe Palatsides, another member of Montemurro’s coaching team, has transitioned from Lyon to the Matildas alongside Montemurro.
Palatsides, who also dedicated seven years as an assistant at Melbourne City, played a critical role in Melbourne Victory’s academy team achieving promotion to NPLM VIC in 2024 before Montemurro recruited him to Lyon in France.
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“Joe has often been an unsung hero, and he’s the kind of coach I genuinely respect — one who is dedicated and focused on doing the work without seeking recognition,” Montemurro remarked.
“He’s incredibly selfless, consistently going the extra mile for others. I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with Joe at City, nurturing our philosophies and working methods that have been quite unique.”
“Beyond being an excellent coach, he’s also a wonderful person. It was essential for Joe to join us to ensure our messaging is coherent and effective as we navigate a tight timeline to set things in motion.”
“He may not receive the recognition he deserves, but his contributions to youth development in Australia are significant.”
While Kat Smith is not a permanent member of Montemurro’s Matildas staff, the head coach of Western United has gained considerable respect from the national team manager.
Smith collaborated with Montemurro for last year’s All Stars match and has participated in the ‘Team of Coaches’ initiative by Football Australia, which involves her in Matildas’ activities.
“I see Kat as a high-performance coach on her way up. She has paid her dues, participating in various assisting roles and programs, and now she’s ready to lead a high-performance team,” Montemurro expressed.
“It’s fantastic that she’s still engaged with national team initiatives. She will be a crucial asset.”
“I’m confident we’ll see Kat coaching at an elite level soon, whether that’s in Australia or internationally. Her time is coming, and she’s prepared for it.”
“Her contributions to our local development scene are invaluable. It’s been a pleasure collaborating with Kat, and we will continue to work closely together.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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