The newly appointed manager of Lyon, Joe Montemurro, is on a quest to create a harmonious blend of style and resilience, aiming to develop a team that not only plays beautifully but can also adapt when that beauty doesn’t manifest itself.
“That’s the essence of establishing a style,” he shares from Lyon’s training facilities, nearly two months after being named the successor to Sonia Bompastor, who has moved to Chelsea.
“If we execute our fundamental principles within our style effectively, we will discover a successful path. It’s crucial to allow space for a player’s talent and excellence within that framework.
“The style serves as our foundation and a platform, but it’s equally important to create room for a bit of magic and creativity. I’m fortunate to have several players in the squad who can provide that spark; it’s part of our safety net.”
During his tenure at Arsenal from 2017 to 2021, Montemurro’s team often played mesmerizing football, but occasionally lacked resilience, struggling to secure results in tough matchups against significant rivals.
Later, he joined Juventus, where he found a level of resilience demonstrated through victories against teams like Wolfsburg and Lyon, though the quality of play did not match that seen at his former club.
Now, stepping into Lyon, a club with a rich history of securing eight European championships, Montemurro aspires to transform this resilient side—already noted for its inherent ability to bounce back—into one that plays dazzling football.
“I’m clearly very passionate about the style of play I envision; it holds significant importance for me,” he remarks. “It’s fitting to make the best women’s team globally an entertaining one, a team that draws spectators eager to witness magnificent football.”
How does one integrate into a prestigious club like Lyon, which reached the Champions League final for the 11th time in 15 seasons—only to fall 2-0 to Barcelona—and skillfully balance the introduction of their own style while honoring the pre-existing winning strategy?
The challenge is to keep winning, to keep the team at the top, and to lift the style of the way we want to play
Joe Montemurro
“That’s a fantastic question, as they are champions by nature,” says the 54-year-old manager. “They’ve clinched every possible title. However, the task ahead is to maintain that winning momentum, ensure the team stays at the pinnacle, and elevate our desired style of play as a key aspect of how we gauge success and setbacks.”
Defining success unequivocally is a crucial first step for Montemurro as he begins his managerial journey, recognizing that instilling a new style within the team is a gradual process. “It’s about shifting the mindset regarding what constitutes a victory and what defines a successful outcome,” he explains.
“We need to exit a game after a win while reflecting on our objectives and the aspects we’ve worked to improve in terms of becoming a top-tier team and executing our desired style, assessing whether we’ve met those goals. There will be elements we don’t execute well, and others we’ll perform exceptionally. There will be days when we are just satisfactory. That’s normal until the philosophy and methodology feel like a common dialect.
“Once it becomes ingrained, it turns automatic. We likely achieved that in our third year at Arsenal. However, throughout those three years of development, the focus was always on how we aspired to play,
“how we wanted to proceed and whether we were achieving our goals.”
Montemurro, who began his role in June, describes his experience as “the last one left standing” following a swift recruitment process. Currently, Lyon is undergoing a transition, as Michele Kang, the owner of the Washington Spirit and London City Lionesses, completed her acquisition of the club in February.
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“What she aims to accomplish is truly unique and remarkable for women’s football,” Montemurro states. “Creating an innovation hub that redefines how we support female athletes—physically, mentally, and medically—is not only unique but also crucial.
This year, Lyon reached their 11th Women’s Champions League final within 15 seasons, though they were defeated by Barcelona in the final. Photograph: Christophe Petit-Tesson/EPA
“One of the factors that drew me in was this assembly of professionals dedicated to female footballers, focusing on their unique needs and how we can achieve a high level of performance. It’s been fantastic, and we have maintained extensive communication, discussing various strategies for the future. Her hands-on approach is incredibly beneficial.
“Effective leaders, and those who have achieved success, are aware of their limitations and understand the importance of recruiting experts in key areas. The primary objective is to locate trustworthy individuals who will continually challenge and strive for improvement. She excels at placing the right people in the right roles, which has contributed to her success in both football and other arenas, and I believe that will translate into her success in women’s football.”
Although he is not referring to himself specifically, Montemurro brings valuable experience to Kang, having managed women’s teams across Australia, England, Italy, and now France. “I feel incredibly fortunate to have had various opportunities that have introduced me to different cultures and ways of understanding the game,” he reflects.
“It’s only natural to improve by embracing diverse cultures and considering alternative approaches. I’ve been privileged to be with prominent clubs, where their successes stem from their distinct methods of showcasing their strengths.
“Every day, I learn and grow by listening, observing, understanding, making decisions—sometimes not always the right ones—and recognizing different operational styles.”
# Joe Montemurro’s Vision: Blending Style and Resilience at Lyon
## The Appointment of Joe Montemurro
In a bold move, **Joe Montemurro** was appointed as the head coach of **Olympique Lyonnais Féminin** in 2023. Known for his tactical acumen and innovative approach, Montemurro stepped into a club with a rich history of success but faced the challenge of evolving its style while retaining its competitive edge.
### Understanding Montemurro’s Coaching Philosophy
Montemurro’s coaching philosophy revolves around several key components:
– **Positional Play**: He emphasizes fluidity and intelligent positioning, allowing players to maximize their strengths.
– **High Pressing**: Under his leadership, Lyon has adopted an aggressive pressing style that disrupts opponents’ build-up play.
– **Youth Development**: Montemurro is known for nurturing young talent, integrating them into the first team while maintaining competitive performance.
### The Importance of Style and Resilience
In modern football, the combination of style and resilience is crucial for sustained success. Montemurro’s approach reflects this belief, focusing on:
– **Creative Attacking Play**: Lyon under Montemurro showcases a dynamic attacking style that emphasizes quick transitions and creative movement.
– **Defensive Stability**: While attacking flair is important, Montemurro ensures that the team maintains a solid defensive structure.
## Key Strategies Employed by Montemurro
### Tactical Flexibility
Montemurro is known for his tactical flexibility, often adapting his formations based on the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses.
– **Formation Changes**: He regularly shifts between formations like 4-3-3 and 3-5-2, depending on the match context.
– **In-Game Adjustments**: Montemurro’s ability to read the game allows him to make effective substitutions and tactical adjustments mid-match.
### Player Empowerment
Empowering players is central to Montemurro’s vision. He encourages them to take initiative on the field, leading to:
– **Enhanced Confidence**: Players feel more confident in making decisions during matches.
– **Team Cohesion**: A collaborative environment fosters stronger relationships among players.
## Benefits of Montemurro’s Approach
### Enhanced Performance
– **Improved Team Dynamics**: Teams that play with confidence and creativity typically perform better, leading to higher match outcomes.
– **Increased Player Development**: Focusing on youth and individual player growth results in a more versatile and adaptable squad.
### Strengthened Club Identity
– **Historical Legacy**: Montemurro aims to blend Lyon’s rich history with modern tactics, ensuring the club’s identity evolves while staying rooted in its successes.
– **Fan Engagement**: A stylish and resilient approach not only attracts victories but also engages fans, creating a supportive community around the team.
## Case Studies: Montemurro’s Impact at Lyon
### Match Analysis: Lyon vs. PSG
One of the most telling matches of Montemurro’s tenure was the encounter against **Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)**.
#### Key Highlights:
| Aspect | Lyon’s Performance | PSG’s Performance |
|———————–|—————————–|—————————–|
| Possession | 55% | 45% |
| Shots on Target | 10 | 4 |
| Young Players Used | 3 | 2 |
| Goals Scored | 3 | 1 |
In this match, Lyon showcased its high-pressing style, effectively disrupting PSG’s rhythm and capitalizing on counter-attacks.
## Practical Tips for Coaches Inspired by Montemurro
Here are some practical tips for coaches looking to implement Montemurro’s methods:
### 1. Foster a Positive Training Environment
Creating a supportive atmosphere encourages players to express themselves freely.
### 2. Tailor Training Sessions
Adapt training sessions to meet the needs of individual players while maintaining a focus on the collective team’s goals.
### 3. Emphasize Tactical Understanding
Educate players about different formations and strategies, helping them understand their roles within various systems.
## First-Hand Experience: Insights from Players
Players have shared their experiences under Montemurro’s guidance, highlighting the positive changes in training and match preparation:
*“Joe encourages us to be creative and take risks. It’s refreshing to feel trusted on the pitch.”* – A Lyon midfielder.
*“The tactical sessions are intense, but we always come away feeling more prepared for our matches.”* – A Lyon defender.
## Conclusion
Joe Montemurro’s vision for Olympique Lyonnais Féminin is a powerful blend of style and resilience. Through his innovative tactics, focus on player development, and commitment to a modern football philosophy, Montemurro is not just shaping a team but also enhancing the club’s identity and connection with its fans. As the season progresses, the impact of his leadership will undoubtedly be a focal point for both supporters and analysts alike.
