Former Liberty A-League coach Joe Montemurro has been appointed head coach of Olympique Lyonnais Féminin on a two-year deal.
The 44-year-old Aussie joins the eight-time European champions just four weeks after coaching the A-League All Stars Women against Arsenal.
Montemurro will be the first foreign coach in the club’s 20-year history, replacing Sonia Bompastor who has been appointed head coach of Women’s Super League (WSL) giants Chelsea.
“I am extremely honoured to be part of such an exceptional organisation as Olympique Lyonnais, the world leader in women’s football,” Montemurro said in an official statement.
“When I think of Lyon, I think of high-level professionalism and excellence.
“Playing against this team has always represented the pinnacle of football for me. It has always brought me joy and inspiration.”
The former Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City boss will link up with Matildas star Ellie Carpenter who has lifted two Champions League titles with the French powerhouse.
Montemurro brings with him a wealth of experience, having coached in the European top-flight for seven years.
After achieving the double with City in the A-League Women, he moved to Arsenal where he won the WSL Championship and Women’s League Cup, before moving on to Juventus.
Across three years at Turin, he guided Juve to five trophies including an historic treble in his first season in charge winning the Serie A title, Italian Cup and Italian Super Cup.
Lyon women’s football general director Vincent Ponsot said: “Joe Montemurro was one of the profiles we had been targeting for some time.
“With his experience and in-depth knowledge of women’s football, we are delighted to welcome him and confident that he will get the best out of our team.”
Montemurro will be looking to continue Lyon’s domestic dominance and guide them to Champions League glory after the French champions lost to Barcelona in last month’s final.
