Marie-Louise Eta is on the verge of making history in the world of football as she gears up to become the first female assistant coach in the Bundesliga. The news follows the departure of Urs Fischer as head coach at Union Berlin, marking the end of a highly successful chapter in the club’s history. However, Union Berlin is set to embark on a new and groundbreaking journey with the appointment of Marie-Louise Eta as the assistant to interim head coach Marco Grote.
The dynamic duo of Marco Grote and Marie-Louise Eta previously collaborated in overseeing Union Berlin’s U19s, making their mark in the UEFA Youth League, including memorable fixtures against the likes of Real Madrid. Their successful partnership at the youth level has earned them the opportunity to lead the first team together, with Eta breaking through gender barriers in the male-dominated coaching landscape of professional football.
At 32 years old, Marie-Louise Eta brings a wealth of experience to her coaching role. Hailing from Dresden, Eta’s football journey began as a player, achieving notable success by winning the U17 Bundesliga with Turbine Potsdam in 2005, 2006, and 2008. Her prowess on the field continued as she transitioned to the senior Bundesliga team in 2008/09, contributing to Turbine Potsdam’s triumph in the UEFA Women’s Champions League in 2010 and clinching three consecutive Bundesliga crowns.
Eta’s playing career extended beyond Turbine Potsdam, with stints at Hamburg, Cloppenburg, and Werder Bremen. She represented Germany up to the U23 level and secured victory in the U20 World Cup. Upon retiring from playing at the age of 26 in 2018, Eta seamlessly transitioned into coaching, initially working with Bremen’s U15 boys’ team. Her coaching journey further evolved as she worked under Bettina Wiegmann as an assistant for Germany’s women’s U15 side.
Having completed her professional coaching license at the German FA academy in Frankfurt, Eta continued to climb the coaching ranks. She took on responsibilities with Germany’s U17s before making a significant move to Union Berlin as Grote’s assistant with the men’s U19s. This progression underscores Eta’s dedication to coaching at various levels and her commitment to honing her skills within the German football system.
Now, Marie-Louise Eta is poised to make history by becoming the first woman coach to grace a men’s Bundesliga bench. The groundbreaking moment is scheduled for Union Berlin’s fixture against Augsburg on November 25. Assuming no permanent replacement for Fischer is announced soon, Eta is also set to lead the team on the touchline for the UEFA Champions League game away at Braga the following Wednesday and potentially against Bayern Munich the weekend after.
This historic development in the Bundesliga echoes the league’s previous strides in breaking gender barriers, notably with Bibiana Steinhaus becoming the first female referee in one of Europe’s top leagues during the 2017/18 season. Marie-Louise Eta’s journey signifies a continued push for inclusivity and diversity in professional football, showcasing that talent and expertise know no gender boundaries. As Eta prepares to step onto the Bundesliga stage, she becomes a trailblazer and an inspiration for aspiring coaches, irrespective of gender, emphasizing that passion and skill are the true benchmarks of success in the beautiful game.
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By- Sahiba Suri