Marie-Louise Eta takes over from Steffen Baumgart at Union Berlin. Her promotion has been met with widespread positive feedback.
Marie-Louise Eta’s historic promotion to head coach of the men’s team at Union Berlin has also become a topic of discussion among the German women’s national football players.
«That’s a great sign,» said national player Sjoeke Nüsken during a media session in Herzogenaurach on Sunday.
«Actually, I’m just starting my B-licence now,» added the FC Chelsea midfielder. «It’s definitely good to see that these opportunities are open to us.» Eintracht Frankfurt defender Jella Veit sees Eta as a «great role model for others who are pursuing this profession and perhaps want to follow in these footsteps.»
Marie-Louise Eta Makes History as Steffen Baumgart’s Successor
Union announced late Sunday night that former co-coach Eta will take over on an interim basis following the departure of Steffen Baumgart. With this move, the 34-year-old makes history as the first female head coach of a Bundesliga men’s team.
Eta most recently coached Köpenick’s U19 juniors. As planned, she is set to succeed coach Ailien Poese for the Union women’s team starting next season.
Eta Starts with Union Against Relegation-Threatened Wolfsburg
Following their 1-3 defeat on Saturday against Bundesliga bottom-feeders 1. FC Heidenheim, Union is once again fighting for survival in the league. Eta’s mission begins next Saturday (3:30 PM) with a home game against a struggling VfL Wolfsburg. The remaining opponents for the Berlin team this season are Leipzig (away), Köln (home), Mainz (away), and Augsburg (home).
The DFB women, on the other hand, are currently preparing for their next World Cup qualifiers. The team led by national coach Christian Wück will face Austria on Tuesday (6:15 PM/ZDF) in Nuremberg and four days later in Ried (6:00 PM/sportschau.de).