Jordan Nobbs has hailed Arsenal Women’s new manager, Joe Montemurro, revealing that he’s brought back the Gunners’ traditional style of passing football.
Montemurro took over from Pedro Losa, who was Arsenal Women’s coach from 2014-2017, in November and it appears that the players are enjoying playing some attractive football again.
“Our new manager Joe Montemurro has been incredible since coming in and has got us playing the proper Arsenal way,” Nobbs said in her column for the Metro. “He wants us to play football, enjoy being on the ball and entertain the fans. He certainly doesn’t want us going long, but instead doing everything we can to retain possession.
“He has a winning mentality but wants us to play football and have freedom in what we do. He’s a great person and with the confidence he’s brought in has given a dynamic back to our team as we’re all on the same page.”
The Australian has been a football manager since 2001 and therefore has bundles of experience coaching in his way. However, it’s great to see that he’s also instilling the ‘Arsenal way’ in the players.
For a while, under Losa, the Gunners lost their way. They went from a force in women’s football to bang-average and they haven’t won the FA WSL title since 2012.
With a new boss at their helm, hopefully they can get back on track.
Montemurro’s first match in charge was Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Sunderland in the Conti Cup back on December 17.
Next, the Gunners face Chelsea in the FA WSL on Sunday.
The Blues are second in the league and three points will put Montemurro’s team level with them. However, it will take something very special to overtake Emma Hayes’ side on goal difference since they’re on +19 and Arsenal are on +3.
Nobbs is personally having a strong season. The 25-year-old has made five FA WSL appearances and netted a goal.
When it comes to trophies, however, the midfielder only has one in mind at the moment.
“I think I can win the PFA Player of the Year award in 2018 and that’s the one personal trophy I’m most desperate to win – everyone is,” she said. “But if I’m to do that I need to perform each week and focus on picking up points for Arsenal.”