Ex-Melbourne City Westfield W-League coach Joe Montemurro has led Arsenal’s women’s team to the English Super League title.
Montemurro, who was at the helm of City as they romped to the title unbeaten in the club’s inaugural Westfield W-League campaign, has transferred his success to the English game.
The 49-year-old guided the Gunners to their first title since 2012 as they defeated Brighton 4-0 to secure top spot from challengers Manchester City.
“To coach an Arsenal team to a championship as an Arsenal fan is mind-boggling,” Montemurro told Arsenal’s official website.
“It’s something I’d never have thought about in growing up and becoming a coach. I’m very proud and very honoured to be here as an Arsenal coach.
“Winning the title means a lot because we’ve had an interesting year. They’ve come together as a group and there’s been a lot of adversity with regards to the injuries and so on. As a group, the love and the respect they have for each other really culminates in what we’ve achieved today.”
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The Aussie coach has transformed the Arsenal team since his arrival in North London in late 2017.
He took them to last year’s Women’s FA Cup Final, where they were beaten by Chelsea. He also guided Arsenal to the Continental Tyres Cup.
But there was no stopping the Arsenal side this season, with the club winning 17 of their 19 games so far to clinch a drought-breaking championship.
“I’m very proud of the way we did it with control, defined our own destiny,” Montemurro said.
“We didn’t have to rely on other teams dropping points or anyone else losing.
“It was just us and that’s all credit to the players who were prepared every week and bought into the philosophy and methodology of play. They’ve represented Arsenal in the best way possible.”
- Lead image courtesy of Arsenal’s official website
