The 10-month search for the new head coach of the Matildas has ended, with Football Australia appointing Lyon FC women's team Joe Montemurro. The new coach revealed star striker Sam Kerr is facing additional injury issues, and may not be ready for the Asian Cup.

Council of the City of Sydney

Joe Montemuro has been appointed as the new head coach of the Matildas, providing the team with a permanent leader after a 10-month vacancy. Montemuro, who previously coached Lyon's women's team, expressed pride in taking on the role and acknowledged the challenges involved in leaving his position in Europe.

Montemuro addressed questions regarding Sam Kerr's recovery from an ACL injury, stating he had only recently been briefed but believed Kerr was back running after a subsequent intervention. As preparations begin for the home women's Asian Cup, Montemuro emphasized the importance of sustaining high performance and creating more opportunities for players to represent Australia.

Joe Montemurro appointed as Matildas head coach

Joe Montemuro arrived, the Sydney fog cleared and after 10 months without a permanent coach, the Matildas finally have a clear road ahead. I can't describe it. I can't describe, you know, you talk about pride and honour and all those sorts, it's a little bit more than that. Montemuro only signed on the dotted line 48 hours ago and he's hitting things head on. Sam Kerr and her what seems to be a very long recovery from that ACL injury. I did hear that maybe she underwent some more recent surgery here in Australia. Do you know anything about that? And do you know where she's at? Look, I think there was some complications and as I said, I've only caught up with the scenario in the last 24 hours and there was a subsequent intervention. But I do believe she's now back running. The complications, do you know, was that the same knee? Was it a compensatory injury? No, I think it was something completely different. I think the knee is fine. I think there was some other issues, but again, I've only been briefed the very, very, very, you know, I was only briefed the last 24 hours. The Lyon women's coach has always dreamt of coaching the Matildas, but it wasn't easy leaving Europe. And Lyon was happy to let you go? Look, I think my smile and my answer probably answers it. My smile and my back off answer probably. Look, it was a difficult scenario, but in the end, they were very respectful and they were brilliant. With the home women's Asian Cup next year, there's plenty to do before then. I think it's really, really important that we always sustain the high performance and high performance is part of that is winning, but also, you know, more opportunities for players to represent the green and gold. Montemuro officially takes over later this month. Chloe Amanda Bailey for 10 News First.

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