Joe Montemurro led Arsenal to their first WSL title in seven years in 2019; 51-year-old Australian describes tenure as “highlight of my coaching career”; has made decision to take professional break and dedicate more time with his family
Arsenal head coach Joe Montemurro will leave the Women’s Super League club at the end of the season.
Montemurro, who left Melbourne City Women to replace Pedro Martinez Losa in November 2017, led Arsenal to their first WSL title in seven years in 2019.
The 51-year-old Australian, who helped Arsenal reach four cup finals during his tenure, has decided to take a professional break and dedicate more time with his family.
“This has been the hardest professional decision of my life, as I absolutely love this job and this club, the club I have supported all my life,” Montemurro, who will leave the club officially on May 31, said.
“I’m hugely grateful to the club for their unrelenting support during my time here and in understanding and respecting my decision.”
Montemurro added working at Arsenal was the “highlight of my coaching career”.
Arsenal are fourth in the WSL, three points adrift of third-placed Manchester United but with a game in hand.
“My focus now is helping the team to complete the season strongly and finishing as high as possible in the WSL, leaving the club in good shape for the future,” Montemurro said.
Arsenal chief executive Vinai Venkatesham said the club are well placed “to be as much a force in the future as it has been in the past” following Montemurro’s time in charge.
Venkatesham added: “Joe has made a huge impact during his time with us and we look forward to building on his legacy and taking the club to more success in the future.”
WSL live on Sky Sports from 2021/22 season
Sky Sports has announced a three-year deal with the FA to become the primary broadcaster of the Barclays Women’s Super League from September 2021.
As one of the most competitive leagues, with some of the most famous names and teams in the world, the WSL will be one of Sky Sports’ flagship offerings.
The deal will see Sky Sports show at least 35 games exclusively live per season and further strengthens the broadcaster’s commitment to women’s sport.
