West Ham Appoint Guarino as Manager

West Ham United have appointed Rita Guarino as the Women’s First-Team manager.

Guarino’s appointment marks her first managerial job outside of Italy, where she began her coaching career with Italy’s Under-17s as initially assistant manager, then the head coach of the team.

She then went on to manage Juventus Women then Inter Milan Women, of which she led the former to four league titles, two Supercoppa titles and one Coppa Italia title across a four-year spell between 2017 – 21.

Guarino now has replaced Rehanne Skinner who had won one of her 11 league games in charge this season, with the Hammers sat second-bottom in the Women’s Super League and just two points clear of Liverpool who sit in the relegation spot.

In her first interview with West Ham TV, Guarino spoke of her excitement at the club’s ambitions and desire to adopt an “aggressive” style.

“It is a Club with a big history and strong values that align with my own. “I’ve spoken with the Board and I’m really excited by the project here. There is a lot of talent and experience in the team, and I want to support the girls to develop as individuals but also as a collective.

“I want to build a team that is organised, aggressive with the ball and that tries to recognise and use space. The mentality of the team – the togetherness and hard work – is the most important thing. “I’m proud to be here and I’m looking forward to the chapter ahead in the best league in the world.”

Guarino has signed a 18-month contract until June 2027 and will take charge of her first match on Sunday 11 January, when West Ham visit reigning WSL champions, Chelsea.

Her first match at home is scheduled for Sunday 1 February at 11:55am against Tottenham Hotspur.