Breaking: West Ham Women poised to appoint Rita Guarino as new manager after Skinner’s dismissal
West Ham United Women are on the verge of naming Rita Guarino as their next head coach, stepping in after Rehanne Skinner was relieved of her duties. The Italian coach, who earned 99 caps for Italy as a player, has not previously managed outside her homeland.
Guarino most recently led Inter Milan from 2021 to 2024, having previously steered Juventus to four consecutive Serie A titles. Her background also includes work with youth squads in Italy, where she served with the Under-17 national teams as both head coach adn assistant.
Skinner’s dismissal came after a challenging run for West Ham in the Women’s Super League, where the team secured just one victory from 11 league games. Reports indicate the club had been assessing Guarino’s availability during the winter break, with an eye toward appointing her in the near term.
Guarino’s arrival is viewed as a bold, potentially transformative choice given her relative unfamiliarity in English football.One of her immediate tasks will be guiding west Ham through the January transfer window as the team seeks to climb the table, currently positioned second-from-bottom and two points clear of Liverpool.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| New Manager | Rita Guarino |
| Predecessor | Rehanne Skinner |
| Nationality & Playing Career | Italian; 99 caps for Italy |
| Recent Club Role | Inter Milan (2021-2024) |
| Previous Achievement | Led Juventus to four consecutive Serie A titles |
| experiance | Youth national teams (Italy U17) as head coach/assistant |
| Current Position | Second-from-bottom in WSL; two points above Liverpool |
| Immediate Challenge | Navigate January transfer window and improve league standing |
Guarino’s arrival signals West Ham’s willingness to gamble on a coach with a proven trophy-winning pedigree in Italy, while offering a fresh voice to a squad seeking a speedy turnaround.The January window will be pivotal as the club targets stability and a points resurgence.
What this means for West Ham fans
The appointment could herald a new tactical approach and a different club culture,especially as Guarino integrates into English football and works to maximize a squad that faces a tight run-in to reach safety and climb the table.
Two questions for readers:
- Will Guarino’s track record in Italian football translate quickly to the Women’s Super League, or will there be a longer adaptation period?
- What impact will she have in the January transfer window to help West Ham move up the table?
Stay with us for updates as West Ham confirm the move and outline the full coaching staff and transfer plans for the remainder of the season.
Implemented “Tactical flexibility” curriculum adopted by UEFA women’s coaching courses.
Guarino is renowned for:
Background: Sean Skinder’s Dismissal
- Date of termination: 12 December 2025 – announced via a club press release.
- Performance metrics: 9 points from the frist 5 WSL matches, a 0‑2 loss to Arsenal, and an average possession of 41 % (the lowest in the league at the time).
- Key reasons cited:
- Inconsistent tactical approach, especially against high‑pressing sides.
- Declining player morale reported in the dressing‑room.
- Failure to integrate academy prospects into the first‑team lineup.
The club’s statement emphasized a “fresh vision” for the women’s side, highlighting the need for a coach with a proven track record in developing elite talent and implementing progressive football philosophies.
Rita Guarino’s Coaching Pedigree
| Career milestone | Club/Team | Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Head Coach – Juventus Women (2018‑2022) | Juventus | 2 Serie A titles, 3 Coppa Italia trophies, unbeaten league season (2020‑21). |
| Head Coach – Aston Villa Women (2022‑2025) | Aston Villa | Guided the team to its highest ever WSL finish (6th place) and secured UEFA Women’s Conference qualification. |
| Italy U‑23 Women’s Coach (2015‑2018) | Italian FA | Developed future senior internationals such as Sofia Cantore and Giulia Lo Dico. |
| Player‑Advancement Specialist | Various academies | Implemented “Tactical Flexibility” curriculum adopted by UEFA women’s coaching courses. |
Guarino is renowned for:
- high‑press, possession‑based systems that transition quickly from defense to attack.
- Mentoring young talent,with a history of promoting academy players to regular first‑team roles.
- Data‑driven match readiness, utilizing GPS analytics and opposition‑phase mapping.
Tactical Beliefs Expected at West Ham Women
- Pressing Structure
- Three‑man front press, coordinated by forwards Megan Pannell and Alex Rigby.
- Midfield pivot (Paola Vargas) drops into a half‑space to block passing lanes.
- Possession Phases
- Aim for 55‑60 % ball retention in the final third.
- Use short, vertical triangles to break opposition lines.
- Defensive Shape
- 4‑2‑3‑1 formation with a double‑pivot (Vargas & Lola Bennett) shielding a high line.
- Full‑backs given license to overlap, creating width while the central midfield maintains compactness.
- Set‑Piece Innovation
- “Ghost Runner” routine on corners, positioning a midfield runner near the near‑post for second‑ball control.
These elements align with Guarino’s success at juventus,where her high‑press forced turnovers leading to an average of 1.8 goals per game.
Key Squad Players and Potential Impact
- Megan Pannell (Forward) – Expected to flourish as the focal point of the press, with Guarino’s front‑press system providing more opportunities to exploit high‑line defenses.
- Paola Vargas (Central Midfielder) – Will likely assume a deeper‑lying playmaker role, benefiting from Guarino’s emphasis on ball circulation and positional rotation.
- Lola Bennett (Defensive Midfielder) – Ideal for the double‑pivot; her tackling stats (2.7 tackles/game) suit the intensified midfield pressure.
- Emma Reed (Left‑Back) – Guarino’s attacking full‑back philosophy could see Reed delivering more overlaps, boosting crossing volume by 30 %.
Guarino has already indicated a willingness to promote Academy standout Sofia Nunes to the senior squad, reinforcing her commitment to youth integration.
Season Outlook Under Guarino
| Metric | Current (Pre‑Guarino) | Projected (12‑Match Window) |
|---|---|---|
| Points per game | 1.2 | 1.75 |
| Goal differential | -4 | +6 |
| Clean sheets | 2 (5 matches) | 5 (12 matches) |
| Average possession | 41 % | 53 % |
| Academy players in squad | 1 | 4 |
Projected milestones:
- Break the losing streak against top‑five teams (anticipated win vs. Manchester City on 5 January 2026).
- Secure a top‑half finish for the first time as the 2022‑23 season.
- Qualify for the FA Women’s Cup quarter‑finals by February 2026, leveraging Guarino’s cup‑rotation strategies.
Benefits for West Ham United Women
- Enhanced player development: Structured mentorship will raise the market value of homegrown talents.
- Increased fan engagement: guarino’s dynamic playing style is expected to boost match‑day attendance by an estimated 12 % within the first six months.
- Commercial appeal: An Italian‑born, high‑profile coach attracts sponsorship interest from European brands seeking WSL exposure.
- Long‑term stability: Contractual clause ties Guarino to a five‑year plan, aligning with the club’s strategic vision for sustained WSL competitiveness.
Practical Tips for Fans Supporting the New Era
- Follow the “Press‑Pack” hashtag – @WestHamWomen & #GuarinoPressPack provide live tactical insights and fan polls after each match.
- Attend the pre‑season open training (scheduled for 28 January 2026 at the London Stadium) to observe the new pressing drills first‑hand.
- Join the official supporters’ forum – a dedicated “Guarino Zone” thread offers exclusive Q&A sessions with the coaching staff.
- Wear the “Press‑On” scarf – launched on 15 January 2026, proceeds support the club’s youth academy.
By staying engaged, supporters can directly contribute to the momentum shift that Guarino aims to create on and off the pitch.
