Montemurro: Testing new players and new combinations is part of camp’s broader perspective
CommBank Matildas Head Coach Joe Montemurro said that while he was disappointed with the team’s 1-0 loss to Panama, the game was part of a broader overall picture to develop the squad.
He was speaking to media in Bunbury on Saturday evening at the post-match press conference.
“We didn't get into any clear rhythm,” he assessed.
“There was always going to be some broken continuity during a camp of this nature, because of what we're trying to achieve, in terms of trying to identify and look at combinations and players coming through.
“We got to see a few [new] players that are in the process of becoming part of the national team, and so the global sort of perspective of this camp is what it's all about.”
He explained that the tempo at training had been intentionally high throughout the week, and players came into the game fatigued.
“We expected that there would be a little bit of a flat spot in the camp, and today probably showed it,” he said.
“We have to make the high intensity part of the DNA because this is what top international football is about. They have to get used to this rhythm.
“They need to feel it. They have to play at a rhythm that's beyond what they're used to. We needed to introduce that during the camp.”
Panama presented a very different challenge to Slovenia in their high-pressing style of play. Montemurro praised the opposition, while admitting that Australia was not smart enough in dealing with their threats.
“It's something we have to get used to,” he expressed.
“It's a reality in international football - you will find teams that will try to disrupt and break rhythm. And they did it well.
“All credit to them, and we probably played into their hands a little bit. We weren't smart enough in slowing things down when we needed to.”
The coach was full of praise for Bunbury, the smallest town that the team has played in since Coffs Harbour in 2007.
“The surface was good, and the welcome was fantastic,” he said.
“It was a great little event, absolutely brilliant. We were very lucky that we've got a great following.
“I apologise that we couldn’t give them the result that they probably wanted today, but we’d love to come back and fix that.”
He ended by assessing what the team can take from the performance going forward.
“Today, they were trying to get us on the blind side when we tried to change the point of attack, dropping off a little bit more,” he explained.
“There were still some good moments, and we just need to learn how to understand all different types of approaches.
“The more we get exposed to that, the more I think I can give players that, and the more we can use our base to go forward. We will be better for it.”
Next Game
CommBank Matildas v Panama
Date: Tuesday, 8 July 2025
Kick-off: 6.00pm WST / 8.00pm AEST
Venue: HBF Park, Perth
TV Broadcast: Paramount+ exclusive
Radio Broadcast: ABC Listen App
Tickets: Buy Tickets