Olympique Lyonnais Féminin, Europe’s most successful women’s football club, has appointed Joe Montemurro, the Australian coach renowned for his successful stints with Arsenal and Juventus, as the new manager. Montemurro, who has signed a two-year deal, is the first non-French coach to lead the powerhouse club in its 20-year history.
The 54-year-old Melburnian takes over from Sonia Bompastor, who has moved to manage Chelsea. Montemurro will be joining forces with Matildas star Ellie Carpenter, a two-time Champions League winner with Lyon.
Montemurro’s coaching career began in Australia, where he established himself as a youth coach before making significant strides in Europe. At Arsenal, he won the 2018 League Cup and the Women’s Super League in 2019. His tenure at Juventus was equally impressive, where he secured five trophies over three years, including a treble in his first season.
“I’m extremely honoured to be part of such an exceptional organisation as Olympique Lyonnais, the world leader in women’s soccer,” Montemurro said. “When I think of Lyon, I think of high-level professionalism and excellence. Playing against this team has always represented the pinnacle of soccer for me. It has always brought me joy and inspiration.”
Montemurro’s predecessor, Sonia Bompastor, had a long and successful association with Lyon, both as a player and coach, winning seven trophies in her three years in charge. Lyon have dominated French women’s football, winning the league title 17 times in the last 18 seasons. Montemurro’s primary challenge will be to reclaim the European crown after Lyon’s defeat to Barcelona in the recent Champions League final.
As Montemurro steps into his new role, he aims to bring his winning mentality and strategic prowess to Lyon, aiming to maintain their domestic dominance and restore their supremacy in European football. The club is also entering an exciting phase under the ownership of Korean-American businesswoman Michele Kang, who took over a year ago.
Montemurro’s track record suggests he is well-equipped to lead Lyon to further success, and his appointment marks a significant milestone for the club as they continue to set the standard in women’s football.
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