Union’s Marie-Louise Eta Remains Committed to Bundesliga Success Amidst Spotlight

Following the sacking of Steffen Baumgart, who left the team sitting in 11th place, Eta was appointed as interim head coach on Saturday for the remainder of the season.

She will lead the men’s first team for the rest of the campaign, after which she will transition to the club’s women’s squad.

“I completely understand that being the first woman as a Bundesliga head coach is a topic of public discussion,” she shared at a press conference ahead of her inaugural match this Saturday against a struggling VfL Wolfsburg side.

“I am obviously aware of this matter, but for me, it’s never been about that. It’s always been about the football, working with people, and striving for success.”

“I have the club’s confidence, and I’m grateful for that. The priority is now to prepare for the upcoming match against Wolfsburg,” Eta emphasised.

When asked if she had any reservations about accepting the job offer last week, Eta replied: “There was no consideration needed. I was at home on Saturday when I received the call, and although I was initially surprised, I felt grateful for the trust placed in me, and things unfolded quickly thereafter.”

She asserted that she is not an anomaly in the football world, as more women are stepping into significant roles at clubs globally.

“There are women coaches who have come before me, in many other countries too,” Eta noted. “While I understand the interest in this topic, I wish it didn’t exist and that the focus was solely on success on the pitch.”

Previously, Eta coached Union’s Under-19 team and made history as the first female assistant coach in the German top division in 2023. Her recent promotion has sparked some negative comments on social media, which the club has denounced.

“Those comments on social media don’t concern me because they reveal more about the individuals making them than about me or anyone else involved,” she stated.

“It is surprising that my appointment has garnered such attention, as for us, it was just another development. I hope that in the coming years, such topics will become less relevant, and people will concentrate more on the football itself.”