West Ham United Women manager Guarino has outlined his process-focused philosophy ahead of the club's 2026/27 Barclays Women's Super League opener against Tottenham Hotspur. Speaking to the media the boss stressed that building the team's identity throughout the campaign is the primary objective, not a specific league position.
The Hammers kick off their season at home on Sunday afternoon with a 12pm start at The Chigwell Construction Stadium. They face a Tottenham side Guarino described as ambitious and competitive, with a solid identity and a large squad bolstered by new signings from the previous year.
Guarino, who arrived at the club in December 2025, is clear about his priorities. "It’s not about what we want to achieve in the mid-term, it’s about the way that we want to improve this team during this season," he said. This focus on the journey over the destination follows a 10th-place finish in the 2025/26 WSL table. The manager believes steady, visible progress is the foundation for long-term success at the club.
His satisfaction with the club's summer transfer business is a key part of this plan. West Ham United Women brought in several experienced players during the window to strengthen the squad. Guarino noted the positive integration of these new faces, which he sees as vital for the team's development. Fans can view the full roster on the club's official squad page.
The manager acknowledged the natural turnover within a squad. "We are a good team, we have lost some players and have signed some new players," Guarino stated. This refresh is intended to address the areas that needed strengthening after last season's campaign. The new signings bring top-flight experience and are expected to compete for starting roles immediately, raising the overall level in training and matchdays.
Integrating these arrivals quickly will be important for a positive start. The opening fixture is the first of many challenges in a demanding WSL schedule, which supporters can follow via the fixtures list. A strong core of returning players provides continuity, while the fresh talent offers new tactical options for Guarino.
Sunday's opponents represent a significant first test. Guarino was respectful of the threat posed by Tottenham Hotspur Women, labeling them a "very good, competitive team with ambition to be at the top of the table." He highlighted their clear identity and the quality of their football, making them a tough proposition for any side on the opening weekend.
Spurs have also been active in the market, adding to a squad that already possesses considerable depth. This means West Ham will need to be disciplined and execute their game plan effectively from the first whistle. Analysing such tactical battles will be part of the season-long process Guarino is committed to.
The immediate focus is solely on Tottenham, but the broader view involves consistent performance across the entire season. Every match provides data points on the team's development, which can be tracked alongside the league's standings. The manager's process-oriented approach means each game, regardless of result, is a step in building a more resilient and effective unit.
West Ham United Women finished the 2025/26 Barclays Women's Super League season in 10th position. Improving on that placing will be a natural consequence of getting the daily work right, according to Guarino's philosophy. The work continues on the training ground every day, with the next opportunity to measure progress coming this Sunday at 12pm.
