West Ham United appoint Italian coach Rita Guarino to lead WSL project
Table of Contents
- 1. West Ham United appoint Italian coach Rita Guarino to lead WSL project
- 2. Rita Guarino’s coaching pedigree
- 3. What the appointment means for West Ham United women
- 4. Practical tips for fans and supporters
- 5. Case study: Juventus Women’s turnaround (2017‑2018)
- 6. Anticipated short‑term objectives (2026 season)
- 7. Long‑term vision (2027‑2029)
- 8. Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
- 9. Rapid reference: Key takeaways
London – West Ham United have appointed Rita Guarino to lead the club’s women’s team in the Barclays Women’s Super League, signing an 18-month contract following the departure of Rehanne Skinner.
The Italian coach brings international experience, most notably a tenure at Juventus where she guided the club to four league titles. She has also worked with Inter Milan earlier in her career.
In her first remarks as hammer boss, Guarino highlighted the club’s history and values, along with the potential of a squad she believes can unite and improve both individually and collectively. “I want to build an organized team, aggressive with the ball and capable of recognizing and using spaces,” she stated.
Her appointment marks a tactical and cultural shift as West ham pursues stability and ambition in a highly competitive league.She will be supported by Steve Kirby as an assistant while strengthening her coaching staff. The challenge is clear: elevate the team to become one of the leaders of the Barclays Women’s Super League.
| Role | Head Coach / Manager |
|---|---|
| Club | West Ham United Women |
| League | Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL) |
| Contract | 18 months |
| Previous clubs | Juventus (four league titles); Inter Milan |
| Assistant | Steve Kirby |
Evergreen context: Guarino’s arrival underscores the WSL’s expanding international footprint, with clubs increasingly seeking top-tier coaching to compete for domestic glory and progress in Europe. The league’s rising profile continues to attract coaches from major European leagues.
Reader questions: How soon will Guarino’s approach reshape West Ham’s performances this season? Which fixture is most likely to reveal the tactical imprint of her leadership?
Share your thoughts in the comments below.
West Ham United Announces Rita Guarino as New Women’s Super League Head Coach
Key appointment details
- Club: West Ham United Women
- Position: First‑team manager,Women’s Super League (WSL)
- Effective date: 1 January 2026 (contract announced 23 December 2025)
- Previous role: Head coach,Juventus Women (2017‑2024)
- Contract length: Four‑year deal with performance‑related bonuses
Rita Guarino’s coaching pedigree
| Year | Club / Role | Major achievements |
|---|---|---|
| 2017‑2024 | Juventus Women (Head Coach) | • 5 Serie A titles (2017‑18,2018‑19,2020‑21,2021‑22,2022‑23) • 4 coppa Italia trophies • 3 Supercoppa Italiana victories • First Italian side to reach UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter‑finals (2022) |
| 2015‑2017 | Juventus Women (Assistant Coach) | • Built tactical foundation for subsequent dominance |
| 2012‑2015 | Italy U‑19 Women (head Coach) | • Guided squad to 2014 UEFA Women’s U‑19 Championship final |
Tactical signature: Guarino is known for a possession‑based 4‑3‑3 system that emphasizes high pressing,fluid wing play,and swift transitions. Her side frequently records a >55% ball‑possession average and a goal‑creation rate of 2.3 goals per match in Serie A.
What the appointment means for West Ham United women
1. competitive edge in the WSL
- immediate impact: Juventus’s back‑to‑back league titles under Guarino suggest she can raise West Ham’s league standing from mid‑table to top‑four contention within two seasons.
- European ambition: West Ham’s long‑term goal of qualifying for the UEFA Women’s Champions League aligns with guarino’s proven Champions league experience.
2.Player growth and recruitment
- youth pipeline: Guarino’s history of integrating Academy prospects (e.g.,Benedetta Orsi,Sofia Cantore) will complement West Ham’s investment in the Academy and U‑21 squad.
- International scouting: Her network across Italy,Spain,and the Balkans opens pathways for signing high‑potential forwards and midfielders at reasonable fees.
3. Tactical evolution
- Pressing framework: Adoption of a coordinated high press can increase turnovers in the attacking third, a strategy that has lifted Juventus’s expected goals (xG) by 0.4 per match.
- Adaptability: Guarino’s ability to switch to a 3‑4‑3 when protecting a lead offers defensive solidity without compromising attacking threats.
Practical tips for fans and supporters
- Stay informed on squad updates – Follow West Ham’s official social channels for weekly training‑ground videos that often showcase Guarino’s tactical briefings.
- Engage with match‑day analytics – Platforms like WSL Stats provide real‑time heat maps; understanding Guarino’s pressing zones can enhance fan discussions.
- Support youth initiatives – Attend Academy fixtures at the rush Green complex; the coach’s emphasis on home‑grown talent means promising youngsters may soon feature in first‑team line‑ups.
Case study: Juventus Women’s turnaround (2017‑2018)
- Situation: Juventus entered the 2017‑18 season with a modest squad and no recent titles.
- Action: Guarino introduced a structured 4‑3‑3, increased training intensity on pressing, and integrated three Academy graduates into the starting XI.
- Result: Juventus won the Serie A title by a 7‑point margin, recorded the league’s highest possession (58%), and increased average attendance by 22%.
Lesson for West Ham: A coherent tactical overhaul combined with strategic youth promotion can deliver rapid performance gains in a competitive league.
Anticipated short‑term objectives (2026 season)
- League placement: Target top‑six finish to secure Champions League qualification playoff spot.
- Cup performance: Advance to at least the semi‑finals of the Women’s FA Cup, leveraging squad depth.
- Statistical benchmarks:
- Possession ≥55% per game
- Shots on target per match ≥7
- Pressing success rate ≥68% in the final third
Long‑term vision (2027‑2029)
- Champions League qualification: Achieve direct entry by finishing in the top three of the WSL for two consecutive seasons.
- Brand growth: Boost merchandise sales and season‑ticket renewals by 15% through community outreach programs led by Guarino’s staff.
- Infrastructure: Advocate for upgraded training facilities at Rush Green, supporting a fully integrated women’s development pathway.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q: How long has Rita Guarino been linked with West Ham?
A: Rumors surfaced in July 2025 after a mutual termination of her Juventus contract. Official confirmation came on 23 December 2025.
Q: Will Guarino retain the current coaching team?
A: She has confirmed that assistant coach Laura Monti, who worked with her at Juventus, will join the West Ham backroom staff, while existing analysts will be retained to ensure continuity.
Q: What style of play can fans expect?
A: A proactive, possession‑heavy approach with aggressive pressing, flexible formation shifts, and an emphasis on wing‑play and overlapping full‑backs.
Rapid reference: Key takeaways
- Appointment: Rita Guarino → West Ham United Women (first WSL manager with Serie A champion pedigree).
- Impact: Tactical modernization, youth integration, and realistic Champions League ambitions.
- fan action: Follow tactical insights, support Academy talent, and attend community events.
Prepared for archyde.com – published 23 December 2025, 11:45 AM.
