Sam Kerr’s Star Power: Matildas Launch Fierce Defence of Embattled Captain Amid Backlash
- Matildas players and coach Joe Montemurro have rallied behind Sam Kerr after a barrage of criticism over her captaincy
- Kerr’s teammate Caitlin Foord fired back at critics, saying they “don’t know who Sam is as a person”
- Coach Montemurro insisted Kerr’s captaincy is based on football performance, not “political decisions”
In a dramatic show of solidarity, the Matildas have come out swinging in defence of their captain Sam Kerr, who has faced a torrent of criticism over her leadership. The backlash erupted after Kerr reclaimed the captain’s armband for the team’s friendly match against England, despite a high-profile court case in London that raised eyebrows.
Teammate Caitlin Foord leapt to Kerr’s defence, saying critics “don’t know who Sam is as a person”. Foord’s passionate plea highlighted the strong bond between Kerr and her teammates, who are fiercely loyal to their captain.
Coach Joe Montemurro also weighed in, dismissing suggestions that Kerr’s captaincy was a “political decision”. Montemurro insisted that Kerr’s leadership is based solely on her football performance, and that he would not be swayed by external pressure. “We’ve made a decision internally for what we believe is the best for a football performance and for the group,” he said.
Kerr’s return to the Matildas line-up after a lengthy injury layoff has been a major talking point, with many questioning whether she is fit to lead the team. However, her teammates are adamant that Kerr is the right person for the job. “She’s a leader,” Foord said. “If Australia is watching football, it’s pretty clear what she brings.”
Chelsea teammate Ellie Carpenter also backed Kerr, saying she is “very important to the team” and brings a wealth of experience. Carpenter acknowledged that Kerr will need time to get back to full sharpness, but is confident that she will make a significant impact on the team.
Kerr’s critics have pointed to her high-profile court case in London, where she was accused of racial harassment. However, the charges were dismissed by a jury, and Kerr has maintained that she is innocent. Despite this, the controversy has lingered, with some calling for Kerr to be stripped of the captaincy.
However, the Matildas are standing firm in their support for Kerr, and are confident that she will lead the team to success. As Foord said, “For us internally, we know what that’s about.” The drama surrounding Kerr’s captaincy is set to continue, but one thing is clear: the Matildas are united in their support for their embattled captain.