UNION BERLIN’S latest manager Marie-Louise Eta has suffered abuse since becoming the first female to manage in the Bundesliga.
She was appointed on a deal until the end of the season .
Marie-Louise Eta was recently appointed interim head coach of Union BerlinCredit: EPA
The German will be in charge of the men’s team until the end of the seasonCredit: AFP
Union’s director of football Horst Heldt spoke out about the social media abuse the club’s latest appointment has suffered.
He said: “It’s just embarrassing. I’ve noticed it, but I also refuse to read or even just expose myself to that kind of nonsense because for me this is about quality – leadership quality.”
He added: “We have 100 per cent confidence in Loui – complete conviction. I find it insane that we have to deal with this in this day and age.
“We’re talking about a highly competent leader here, and you can be sure that everyone here at Union, whether in the stands or within the club itself, stands 100 per cent behind this decision and will do everything in their power to ensure that this doesn’t lead to any further discussion in the future.”
Eta, 34, made history by becoming the first female manager in Europe’s top five leagues.
She got the job following the sacking of Steffen Baumgart after a 3-1 defeat to Heidenheim.
The club sits 11th in the table but are still looking over their shoulders in the relegation battle.
Union Berlin are seven points clear of St Pauli in the relegation play-off spot of 16th.
Eta’s appointment as interim boss comes with her already being lined up as permanent head coach of the club’s women’s team in the summer.
It is not the first time Eta has made history – she became the first female assistant coach in Bundesliga history when she joined Union in 2023.
The following year she became the first woman to take charge of a men’s team in a Bundesliga game as head coach Nenad Bjelica served a three-match ban.
Eta’s first game in charge will come against on April 18 at the Stadion An der Alten Forsterei.
Marie-Louise Eta's playing career
MARIE-LOUISE ETA enjoyed a highly successful playing career as a midfielder before retiring from playing in 2018 – she won the Champions League in 2010 with FFC Turbine Potsdam.
FFC Turbine Potsdam (2008–2011)
- Appearances: 29
- Goals: 4
- Assists: 2
Hamburger SV (2011–2012)
- Appearances: 22
- Goals: 2
- Assists: 1
BV Cloppenburg (2012–2014)
- Appearances: 41
- Goals: 5
- Assists: 3
Werder Bremen (2014–2018)
- Appearances: 85
- Goals: 19
- Assists: 12
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
