The Matildas finally have their new coach. A squad overhaul is next as golden generation makes way for young guns
Joe Montemurro has been locked in to lead the Matildas over the next four years, with his first major tournament scheduled to take place within nine months of his arrival.
The Asian Cup has been a major talking point for the Matildas as the side looks to claim their second ever title at the event since its foundation in 1975.
With questions about who would take the Matildas forward into the next phase now answered, Montemurro now faces a crossroads within his playing group.
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Firstly, who will be selected in his starting line-up?
Familiar faces from Australia's 2023 World Cup team are still a big part of the Matildas squad, but some are now at risk of losing their spots to the next generation of stars.
Notably, Mackenzie Arnold, who was nicknamed the 'brick wall' following a sensational run at the World Cup, is facing serious competition for her spot in the No.1 jersey.
Mackenzie Arnold and Teagan Micah in action during a Matildas training session ahead of the FIFA Women's World Cup. Getty
Teagan Micah has been pushing her case to regain the starting position she once held, having been forced to step away from the role in 2023 due to a series of concussions.
Arnold, 31, was given the opportunity to fill the position in Micah's absence but the debate around who should hold it for the big matches has since re-emerged.
Micah established herself as a starting player at club level with Liverpool during the 2024-25 season, however her talent did not secure her an extension beyond the season.
Still, the impressive performances with the iconic English club earned the praise of interim Matildas coach Tom Sermanni.
Sermanni opted to share the role between the pair, although an arm injury earlier this year for Arnold saw Micah granted a chance to step out of her teammate's shadow.
A foot injury has sidelined Arnold from taking to the field for the friendlies against Argentina, with a decision yet to be made on the squad to face Slovenia in late June.
Arnold's time on the sidelines has ultimately allowed for Micah to gain valuable minutes and evidence to retain the role, with fitness factors bound to influence who will be the first-choice 'keeper during Montemurro's tenure.
Arnold is not the only veteran player who is under a cloud ahead of the Asian Cup.
Sam Kerr, Mary Fowler and Hayley Raso during the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2023. Getty
Sam Kerr has spent the past 16 months on the sidelines due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury and is expected to make a return to the national team in the near future.
Sermanni hinted that fans could see Kerr back in the July international window if she is deemed fit and it does not interrupt Chelsea's pre-season plans for the striker.
Mary Fowler is also sidelined for an extended period due to an ACL injury, while the likes of Hayley Raso and Ellie Carpenter are out of action due to ankle and thigh concerns respectively.
Meanwhile, other experienced stars like Emily van Egmond, Caitlin Foord, Alanna Kennedy, Tameka Yallop and Steph Catley are all entering their final stages of their careers.
"It's a reality," Montemurro said about the transitional state of the Matildas during his press conference on Monday.
"I think the work isn't so much done at the moment with the Matildas, it is going to be a process of working with the teams underneath and having that sustainability.
"Tom has been able to build a bit of a process of bringing in and giving some opportunities to players, and stabilise the situation. From there, we can bring it forward.
"It's all set up for me to take over with the staff and bring it to the next level.
"We are going to be working with a legacy of process and development going forward."
While the wait for the appointment of a head coach was prolonged, a glaring concern emerged regarding the time constraints that would be placed on Tony Gustavsson's successor to prepare and assemble a team to compete at the Asian Cup.
Sermanni took on the role unaware of how long he would be in the top job, although many did not expect a 10-month wait for a full-time head coach appointment.
The delay leaves Montemurro with limited time to implement his philosophy to the playing group, which only has two international friendly blocks booked in this year.
It should be noted that additional matches would likely be scheduled in the October and November international breaks.
But the pressure that comes with reduced preparation and the international stage is of little concern for Montemurro.
"I have to thank Tommy Sermanni because it being a non-qualifying year in regards to there is no major tournaments, [the preparation] has been positive," he said.
"The pressure that is in the environments that I have been in is always there. I look at pressure as a privilege because that means you are at the top.
"You'll see a team that will take risks, that will be brave and that will excite. I know no other way of playing football. It is a matter of now instilling that identity.
"I want to win, I want to win playing a good brand of football. I want to win because I know the nation will be behind the successes we are going to have.
"Is the Asian Cup winnable? Of course it is."
