Joe Montemurro has been appointed the new head coach of Lyon on an initial two year deal. The former Juventus and Arsenal head coach replaces Sonia Bompastor who left the club following the Champions League final defeat to Barcelona and the conclusion of her contract.

Montemurro won Juventus’ first domestic treble in his first season in Italy, but has since struggled with the emergence of AS Roma as the new dominant power in Italian football over the past two seasons.

As Juventus boss, Montemurro faced Lyon four times in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, including a tight quarter final in which Juventus took a 2-1 lead to France, before losing 3-1 in the second leg at the Groupama Arena. The following season the two sides met in the group stage, drawing both home and away.

English fans will remember Montemurro from his time with Arsenal. The Australian helped Arsenal to the Barclays Women’s Super League title in 2018/19 for the Gunners first league win in seven years. The North London side have not won the title since.

The Australian will be the first non-French head coach to take the reigns at Lyon. Montemurro told Lyon’s in house media team,“I am extremely honoured to be part of such an exceptional organisation as Olympique Lyonnais, the world leader in women’s football. When I think of Lyon, I think of high-level professionalism and excellence. Facing this team always represented the pinnacle of football for me. It has always brought me joy and inspiration.”

Montemurro will officially take charge of the French outfit on 4th July 2024.