From the Guardian · Elizabeth Payne · · 1m 20s
Marie-Louise Eta: First Woman in Bundesliga
Marie-Louise Eta became Union Berlin’s first female head coach in Bundesliga history, focusing on team success over gender identity.
In brief
Marie-Louise Eta became Union Berlin’s first female head coach in Bundesliga history, focusing on team success over gender identity. Marie-Louise Eta, 35, led Union Berlin’s men’s team as interim coach, winning two matches and finishing 11th in the Bundesliga while emphasizing performance over gender. Originally…
Marie-Louise Eta’s interim role
Marie-Louise Eta became Union Berlin’s first female head coach in one of Europe’s top five leagues after Steffen Baumgart’s dismissal in April.
Results in five games
She led Union Berlin to two wins, a draw, and two losses in five games, finishing 11th in the Bundesliga.
Historic background
Eta previously became the first woman to serve as an assistant coach in the men’s Bundesliga three years ago and led Union men’s team in one game.
Gender-focused challenges
She faced sexist abuse on social media but emphasized her focus on performance over gender identity, saying she wanted to be judged like male colleagues.
“I wanted to impress through my work, not because I am a woman”
Current team focus
Eta now coaches Union Berlin’s women’s team, aiming to build a team that plays with courage, energy, and intensity while prioritizing player development.
Team performance
Union Berlin lost their first two games but won against RB Leipzig, Stuttgart, and Magdeburg in cup competitions after a difficult start.
The main idea
Marie-Louise Eta, 35, led Union Berlin’s men’s team as interim coach, winning two matches and finishing 11th in the Bundesliga while emphasizing performance over gender.
