After spending all her professional career at the club she supported when she was a child, moving teams was always going to be a whirlwind period for Seraina Piubel, never mind moving to another country at the same time.
But West Ham United women’s team have welcomed the attacking midfielder with open arms, and she is ready to do everything she can to propel the Hammers to success.
The 24-year-old penned a three-year deal at Chigwell Construction Stadium in the summer, bringing an end to a ten-year stay at Swiss Women’s Super League outfit FC Zürich.
While the Switzerland international, who has represented her country on more than 20 occasions, found gametime hard to come by in the opening stages of the Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL) season - being introduced from the substitutes’ bench in her first four appearances in England’s top flight - she has started the last five matches in all competitions for Rehanne Skinner’s side.
Occupying the role behind striker Riko Ueki, Piubel is enjoying being a cog in the interchangeable, free-flowing Claret and Blue attack, linking up with fellow summer arrival Manuela Paví and France international Viviane Asseyi.
“I love playing with them so much,” said Piubel, who has chalked up several appearances in the UEFA Women’s Champions League in her career so far.
“We connect really well on the pitch and off the pitch, and when you have a good team spirit it’s easier to play in games together.
“Every game we try our best and sometimes we’ve been so unlucky, but we keep going and hope for more points.
“Honestly, in my first WSL game, I was so nervous, but the team made it so easy for me. I have people on the pitch who make me play well and that’s really important.
“The WSL is a very different league to playing in Switzerland, but I think now I’m settled in, and I am very happy to be playing more games here at West Ham.”
The Hammers’ 4-1 dispatching of hosts London City Lionesses in the Women’s League Cup last time out was their final match before the international break, prior to their return to WSL action on Sunday with a crunch clash at home to bottom-of-the-table Crystal Palace, who are level on points with Skinner’s side.
Piubel, whose recent performances earned her a return to Switzerland’s squad for friendlies with England and Germany over the break, is aware of the importance of the visit of the Eagles, which comes a week prior to a trip to Aston Villa before the Christmas break. But she knows the Irons fanbase will be right behind her team.
“We’ve not played as many games at home which has been really sad,” admitted Piubel, who opened her Irons account in the Women’s League Cup against Portsmouth last month. “But when you can play at home, it’s even better, and the fans have been everywhere in every game.
“We understand how important the Crystal Palace game is, but the next two league games are so important, as we look to go into the Christmas break on a high, and I really hope we can win both of them.”
Speaking on how she is adapting to a new country, Piubel stated: “Honestly, I like London so much and the people at the Club have made it so easy for me to settle in. With the girls and the staff, they have helped me improve my performances so much.
“The weather is OK here, it’s the same in Switzerland, so sometimes I feel at home!”
Seraina Piubel's football firsts...
First game you watched live as a supporter?
My father was the Head Coach at FC Zürich, in the men’s team, so I was an FC Zürich fan. I think they were the first team that I watched, and I was there for every game and went to watch them train when I was a child.
First football hero?
When I was young, the first player I looked up to was Lara Dickenmann, from the Swiss national team, and now it’s Alexia Putellas.
First football boots?
I think my first boots were Nike Tiempos!
First kit?
A Zürich kit, I have many shirts from the Zürich players! I also had an Alex Frei Switzerland shirt. A favourite one I have now is from Alexia [Putellas], as we played against each other in the Nations League in the summer.
First mentor in football?
I would say my father, it’s difficult to not say him!
First professional game?
It was a Champions League qualification match when I was 17 against BSC Young Boys. I was really nervous coming on and I had the No3 shirt, which is not my number! But it was amazing.
First professional goal?
It came in Champions League qualification against KFF Vllaznia, I think it was one week after my debut.
