Matildas’ Coach Prioritises Stability Over Experimentation Ahead of World Cup
As the clock ticks down to the next women’s World Cup, Matildas coach Joe Montemurro is firmly against the notion of “giving everyone a go.” Despite mounting pressure from fans and media to blood new talent in the remaining international windows, Montemurro is sticking to his guns, prioritising continuity and established performance over untested potential. The Matildas recently concluded a four-month playing block with a 3-1 victory over Mexico, an improvement on their earlier 1-0 loss to the same opponent.
In these crucial matches, Montemurro opted for a veteran-laden starting eleven. Many of these players were recognised for reaching significant career milestones during the fixtures. This core group remained largely unchanged from the lineup that contested the Asian Cup final loss in March. Meanwhile, observing from the sidelines, clad in long puffer jackets, sat the next generation of Matildas. This group includes players plying their trade in international leagues, featuring in FA Cup finals, and even recent A-League premiership and championship winners like Leticia McKenna and Holly MacNamara. Notably, Izzy Gomez, the latest recipient of the prestigious Julie Dolan Medal for the Women’s A-League’s best player, was also among those on the bench.
However, Montemurro dismissed concerns that this emerging talent was being overlooked or was “wasting away” on the bench. Speaking after the second match against Mexico in Sydney, he articulated his philosophy on international football selection.
“International football isn’t about giving people the opportunity because she won the Julie Dolan medal,” Montemurro stated emphatically. “International football is about the role that they play to help the team to do what they need to do. I think we’ve got this illusion that we’ve got to give everyone a go in international football. It doesn’t happen like that, that’s just not a reality.”
He elaborated on this point, suggesting that the value of players like Izzy Gomez might lie in their ability to elevate the performance of established stars. “And if Izzy Gomez makes Leticia McKenna better or makes Mary Fowler better, then that’s her role.”
A Consistent Vision for the Future
Montemurro also addressed criticisms suggesting he is mirroring his predecessor, Tony Gustavsson, by favouring a settled squad for the upcoming World Cup. Far from being a concern, this approach is precisely his intention.
“The next window is in four months, that’s probably why even putting out a starting XI that’s close to where we want to be – I’m not saying it’s going to be the one at the World Cup, but it’s close to where we want to be – and having that continuity, it’s because we’re not going to reconvene for the next four months,” he explained. “So I could have done a lot of rotations in this camp and played a lot of players and tried things, but I don’t think it was necessary because we needed that continuity.”
While acknowledging the presence of talented players on the bench, Montemurro remains pragmatic about their immediate roles in upcoming tournaments, likely as impact substitutes.
“I think that it sets us up really good to have a good backup squad that will get a lot of minutes… I think we have to start now pushing two or three of them to really start being that number two to the players who are out there,” he suggested.
Key Positions Under the Microscope
Despite the emphasis on continuity, certain positions and player availability remain fluid. Midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross has been on personal leave from both club and country since the conclusion of the Asian Cup. Katrina Gorry has also been absent from the squad. Furthermore, Montemurro openly discussed the ongoing evaluation of the No. 10 role following the Mexico fixtures.
“Leticia McKenna is one that we’re really looking close at in terms of the No. 10 role,” he revealed. “Holly McNamara is also one that we feel is very close to starting in this team… And Remy [Siemsen] is doing very well at club [level], she’s playing consistently, scoring goals, doing really, really well.”
Montemurro reiterated his overarching selection policy: “I’ve said from day one, there’s no givens in this national team. You’ve got to be playing regularly at club, you’ve got to be performing regularly at club, and you’ll be considered into this national team.”
For supporters eager to witness fresh faces in action before a major tournament, Montemurro has promised a degree of squad rotation in the upcoming October and November camps.
In the interim, World Cup preparations will be temporarily suspended as Montemurro takes his first holiday in three years. He confirmed that the Matildas’ next engagements will be in Europe during the October international window.
“Which is going to be a big one for us because we’re playing against some good teams… They’re going to be top teams,” he stated, underscoring the calibre of opposition they will face.
Fortunately for Montemurro, he will be able to call upon his tried and trusted starting eleven to confront these formidable opponents.
