In a significant move, West Ham has announced the appointment of Rita Guarino as the new manager of their Women's Super League team. This development comes on the heels of the dismissal of Rehanne Skinner, who had been at the helm until Thursday. Guarino, a seasoned coach with a proven track record, has signed an 18-month contract with the club, marking her first foray into management outside of her native Italy.
Guarino boasts an impressive resume, having previously led Juventus to four consecutive Serie A titles, a testament to her coaching prowess. Her experience also includes a stint as the head coach of Inter Milan between 2021 and 2024, as well as her role as the head coach of Italy's Under-17s team. This wealth of experience will undoubtedly serve her well in her new position at West Ham.
At 54 years old, Guarino is poised to bring a new level of expertise and passion to the team. Her appointment is seen as a bold move by the club, given her relatively unknown status in England. However, her credentials and achievements in the world of women's football make her an exciting and promising addition to the West Ham family.
"I'm so happy to be joining West Ham. It is a club with a big history and strong values that align with my own,"Guarino expressed, highlighting her enthusiasm for the new challenge. Her focus will be on developing the team's talent and fostering a strong collective spirit, as she seeks to turn the club's fortunes around. With only one win in 11 Women's Super League matches this season, West Ham is currently sitting second-bottom in the table, just two points above Liverpool.
Guarino's immediate priority will be to navigate the January transfer window, as the club seeks to bolster its squad and climb the WSL table. Her coaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of a well-organized team that is aggressive with the ball and adept at recognizing and utilizing space. She also stressed the need for a strong team mentality, built on togetherness and hard work.
"I want to build a team that is organised, aggressive with the ball, and tries to recognise and use space. The mentality of the team - the togetherness and hard work - is the most important thing," she added, outlining her vision for the team's future. With her extensive experience and passion for the game, Guarino is well-equipped to lead West Ham into a new era of success.
As the Women's Super League continues to grow and evolve, Guarino's appointment is a significant development that is sure to generate excitement among fans. With her at the helm, West Ham is poised to embark on a new journey, one that promises to be filled with challenges, opportunities, and a renewed sense of purpose. As Guarino herself noted,
"I'm looking forward to the chapter ahead in the best league in the world."
Original: BBC Sport
Image: BBC Sport
Written by Npsports
