What, then, is the vision Codina has for West Ham?
Rita Guarino, who won four straight Serie A titles with Juventus, replaced Rehanne Skinner midway through last season. In January she said the team would refine its style step by step, though her early focus was clearly on organisation and defensive solidity.
That emphasis may shift this season. Codina believes supporters will see a West Ham they can be proud of: a side with a clear identity, intent on playing proactive football and keeping the ball whenever possible. While Guarino’s initial hallmark was resilience at the back, Codina expects a greater emphasis on quality in possession this year.
She already feels settled after starting pre-season this week, helped by the fact she remains based in London. The centre-back moved to England in 2023 following nine years at Barcelona, rising from the academy to the first team.
Eager to give back, she is also volunteering with West Ham’s foundation, working with young children in east London. She says she’s relishing life in the city, loves discovering new cultures, and wants to make the most of the opportunities football provides. Her message to the youngsters: it’s not only about winning, reaching the WSL, or playing for your country—there’s much more to the game and the journey.