Union Berlin appoint Marie-Louise Eta as historic first female head coach
Marie-Louise Eta has become the first female head coach in a top-five European men’s league after taking interim charge of Union Berlin following Steffen Baumgart’s sacking.
The 34-year-old will make football history when her side hosts Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga on Saturday.
Her groundbreaking appointment has generated global headlines before a single ball has been kicked under her watch.
However, the former Turbine Potsdam midfielder appeared entirely unfazed as she addressed a crowded news conference in south-east Berlin on Thursday.
“It’s good to see so many people here and I totally understand that this is a big topic,” Eta said.
“But for me it has always just been about football and working with people.”
A historic milestone in the German capital
The newly appointed tactician was eager to reframe the narrative surrounding her historic promotion.
She acknowledged her position serves as a powerful signal but noted she is far from the first woman to work in professional men’s football.
This is not the German coach’s first experience dealing with the immense pressure of a top-flight dugout.
During the 2023-24 campaign, she served as the first female assistant coach in the Bundesliga and helped guide the capital club to safety during a tense relegation battle.
Building trust and immediate rapport
Dozens of journalists gathered in the rain on Tuesday to witness the interim manager’s opening training session.
She quickly displayed a strong connection with the playing squad, drawing on existing relationships forged during her previous coaching stint.
“It helps that I know a lot of the players and the staff already,” she explained.
“I am often asked whether it is different to coach men and women and I always say no.”
“You have to build a relationship with the person in front of you, because in the end it is about trust.”
From Champions League winner to the dugout
Before transitioning to the touchline, the former youth international enjoyed a highly successful playing career.
She captured the Women’s Champions League title in 2010 before an unfortunate injury forced her into early retirement eight years later.
The highly rated coach subsequently earned her professional licence in 2023 alongside current Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler and Rangers boss Danny Rohl.
Her swift rise through the coaching ranks is viewed as a natural progression within the club following successful spells guiding the under-19s and the women’s team.
