Seraina Piubel has returned to West Ham United Women determined to take on greater responsibility after being reunited with Switzerland team-mate Nadine Riesen.
Riesen joined the Hammers on a three-year contract in June after leaving Eintracht Frankfurt. The defender had spoken to Piubel about life at West Ham before completing her move to east London.
The pair previously played together at Zürich and arrived at Chadwell Heath together when Rita Guarino’s squad began pre-season preparations on Monday.
Piubel believes Riesen’s speed, strength and ability in possession should suit the Women’s Super League. West Ham’s official interview also revealed that the forward recommended the club to her international team-mate during their summer holiday.
Piubel ready to become a West Ham leader
Piubel is entering her third season with West Ham after reaching 50 appearances for the club.
The 26-year-old wants to help Guarino’s seven summer signings settle quickly and believes her experience now carries greater responsibility within a reshaped squad.
ReadWestHam previously covered Riesen’s arrival as another important part of West Ham’s defensive rebuild. The Switzerland international adds senior experience after three seasons in Germany.
Piubel ended last season strongly by scoring against Aston Villa and Manchester City before also finding the net for Switzerland in June.
Her improved form followed a campaign disrupted by injury and substitute appearances. She has now set clear targets to play more regularly, score more goals and help West Ham collect more victories.
Guarino initially prioritised improving the team’s defensive record after taking charge. Piubel believes pre-season can now provide more time to develop their attacking play.
West Ham have more than a month to integrate their new arrivals before the WSL season begins on Friday, 4 September.
The reunion with Riesen gives Piubel a familiar team-mate. Her wider challenge is establishing herself as one of the leaders driving Guarino’s new-look side.
