Rita Guarino Appointed West Ham United Women Head Coach
Rita Guarino has been appointed as the new head coach of West Ham United Women, with a contract running until 2027. The announcement was made on 22 December 2025, as Guarino succeeds Rehanne Skinner, who was sacked after two-and-a-half years in charge. Guarino, aged 54, is a former Juventus head coach who won four consecutive Serie A titles and also had a spell with Inter. This marks her first coaching role in England.
Guarino's first match in charge is scheduled for 11 January, an away game at Chelsea following the winter break. Currently, West Ham sit 11th in the Women's Super League at the halfway point of the season, with one win and two draws from 11 league games, placing them two points above bottom club Liverpool.
Steve Kirby will continue as Guarino's assistant; he oversaw the team's recent League Cup quarter-final loss to Manchester City. Guarino aims to build a team that is organized, aggressive with the ball, and emphasizes space, togetherness, and hard work.
