Joe Montemurro shows no Arsenal regret Ahead of crucial Champions League clash

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Ahead of Lyon’s decisive second-leg UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-final against Arsenal, manager Joe Montemurro has spoken openly about his time in charge of the Gunners, insisting he has no regrets despite limited Champions League exposure during his tenure.

Montemurro, who led Arsenal Women from November 2017 until May 2021, faced a series of challenges during his time in North London, most notably the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which curtailed the 2019-20 season and limited the club’s opportunities on the European stage.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Montemurro reflected on his Arsenal spell and looked ahead to Sunday’s pivotal clash.

“I wouldn’t say a regret — it’s always an internal goal as a coach to go as far as you can in this competition, because it gives you a measure of always being at the top level,” he said. “I wouldn’t say there is any unfinished business, it was always circumstances.”

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Under Montemurro’s leadership, Arsenal claimed the Women’s Super League title in the 2018-19 season. However, their subsequent Champions League campaign was interrupted by the pandemic. Although Arsenal did qualify for the UWCL again in 2020-21, Montemurro left the club that summer.

Now focused on leading Lyon to another European final, Montemurro carries a 2-1 advantage into Sunday’s second leg. He is confident that Lyon’s experience and philosophy will shine through under pressure.

“My message is to be ourselves, to believe in what we have done all year — to dominate games, to love the ball, and to have the ball,” he said. “The environment and the situation are set for it, and it is up to us.”

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Montemurro expects a tightly contested battle against his former club, highlighting the importance of managing key moments during the match.

“You saw the first match — it was a bit of both (attacking and defending),” he explained. “They put us under pressure in the second half, but it’s not about whether we wait or attack. It’s about understanding the situation and the moments — that’s what these games are about.”

He further stressed the need for tactical flexibility, urging his players to read the game as it unfolds.

“These games bring a lot of emotions, ups and downs, and different moments. Sometimes it means you have to defend more, sometimes you can be more expansive,” Montemurro said. “We will read the game. These players have been educated to adapt, and we’ll make decisions based on what’s needed.”

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