LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) Marie-Louise Eta has etched her name in Bundesliga history, becoming the league’s inaugural female assistant coach following the departure of Urs Fischer from Union Berlin.
After securing Champions League qualification last season, Union Berlin’s disappointing start to the current campaign saw Fischer being relieved of his coaching duties.
With the club placing Under-19s coach Marco Grote in an interim role, Eta, previously assisting Grote with the U19s, was elevated to the first-team staff.
Eta, who concluded her playing career in 2018 after winning the UEFA Women’s Champions League with Turbine Potsdam in 2010, had coaching stints with Werder Bremen, Germany, and Union’s youth teams before joining Union earlier this year.
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Her new role marks a historic step in her career, serving as an interim assistant coach for the men’s top-flight team.
While there have been women coaching in men’s football across different levels, Eta’s position at Union Berlin signifies a significant milestone in the Bundesliga, reflecting a rare instance of a woman coaching a top-tier men’s team.
The coaching staff reshuffle signals a fresh chapter for Union Berlin, aiming to bounce back from a challenging start to the season.
USMNT’s Brenden Aaronson, on loan from Leeds United, anticipates positive changes, seeking more opportunities following a tough spell with limited playing time.