Rita Guarino wants West Ham United Women to become more confident and effective in possession after overseeing a major summer rebuild. Nine new players have joined ahead of the 2026/27 Women’s Super League campaign.
Guarino prioritised defensive organisation after becoming head coach last December. West Ham improved during the second half of the season and finished tenth, ten points clear of the relegation position.
The Italian now has a full eight-week pre-season to develop her preferred style. She wants the team to retain its defensive resilience while showing greater control and quality with the ball.
Guarino told West Ham’s official website that the absence of immediate results pressure gives her more time to teach individual tactics and improve the team’s attacking principles.
Rita Guarino wants West Ham to control games
Guarino believes West Ham were clinical and defensively strong last season. However, she acknowledged that the side must keep possession for longer and offer more quality in attacking situations.
The club have supported that plan with nine additions. Kelly Gago and Ebony Salmon strengthen the attack, while Laia Codina, Nadine Riesen and Estelle Cascarino provide greater defensive experience.
Constance Picaud has arrived to compete in goal, with Sienna Wareing and Niamh Peacock adding long-term potential. Katie Zelem and Cascarino have also converted successful loan spells into permanent moves.
West Ham recently completed the signing of France forward Kelly Gago, who became Guarino’s ninth arrival of the window. The former Everton attacker signed a three-year contract after scoring ten goals in 30 appearances for the Toffees.
Guarino praised the welcoming atmosphere within the squad and believes the new players already appear comfortable at Chadwell Heath.
West Ham’s first priority last season was survival. With greater preparation time and a significantly strengthened squad, Guarino now wants the club to begin moving further up the WSL table.
