Joe Montemurro unconcerned by error-riddled Matildas in coaching debut against Slovenia
The understrength Matildas struggled to adapt to Montemurro's possession-heavy game style, with error after error allowing Slovenia to unleash 20 shots on goal during Thursday night's match.
The Matildas also created plenty of chances, with Emily Gielnik's third-minute strike getting the hosts off to a flyer, before Holly McNamara and Hayley Raso scored in the dying minutes to seal the win.
Montemurro only had a few days with the squad before his first match.
He is still missing the likes of Sam Kerr, Mary Fowler, Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord, Katrina Gorry, Cortnee Vine and Clare Wheeler.
Implementing a new game plan — especially one as pressure-filled as possession-based football — is going to take time.
The former Arsenal, Juventus and Lyon coach was happy with what he saw in Perth.
Montemurro said the errors committed were all part of the process in teaching the players how to handle pressure when on the ball.
"It was an entertaining game. It could have been 6-5, or 7-6 or something," he said.
"But for me, it was a very important test, because a team that will play player-on-player in that manner, we have to learn to be better under these circumstances, because a lot of teams will do this now in modern football.
"When you want to play a game where you're breaking lines and preparing to break lines and you're playing under pressure, you are going to make mistakes."
The Matildas will face Slovenia again in Perth on Sunday.
They play Panama in two matches — one in Bunbury (July 5) and the second in Perth (July 8).
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