Marie-Louise Eta made history on Saturday as the first female head coach in Europe’s top five men’s leagues – but her Union Berlin side fell to a 2-1 defeat against Wolfsburg in her inaugural game in charge.
Marie-Louise Eta’s Groundbreaking Appointment
Eta was appointed on 11 April after Union Berlin sacked Steffen Baumgart, taking charge on an interim basis for the final five games of the season.
And despite their loss, Union Berlin put up a fight under their new groundbreaking management.
Wolfsburg raced into an early lead thanks to a Patrick Wimmer wonderstrike, before Dženan Pejčinović made it 2-0 just after the break. Oliver Burke grabbed a late consolation for the hosts.
The scoreline didn’t tell the full story, however. Union had 27 shots in total, ending the game with an xG of 2.92 to Wolfsburg’s 0.19.
“I’m disappointed we lost the game,” Marie-Louise Eta said in the aftermath. “But I liked the way the boys went into it.
“We had good energy in training during the week, and we implemented lots of things we worked on. At the end of the day it’s about football, and that’s what I focused on.”
Marie-Louise Eta’s Credentials
Eta previously made history in 2023 as the first female assistant coach in the men’s Bundesliga – also at Union – before taking charge of the club’s under-19 men’s team.
She’s earned her stripes through application and experience, and the club’s sporting director, Horst Heldt, has spoken of his trust in her ability as a highly competent leader.
Union’s captain, Christopher Trimmel was equally supportive after Eta’s first game at the helm.
“For Louie, of course it’s difficult to impose all the new things in just three or four days,” he said.
“That’s perfectly understandable. It would have been difficult for any coach, and yet we still managed to execute a solid match plan well. A lot of things worked out.”
What’s Next for Marie-Louise Eta?
Union faces Champions League-chasing Leipzig away next, before a home clash with relegation rivals Cologne.
With just six points separating them from the relegation play-off spot and four games remaining, Union has its work cut out – but don’t bet against them with Marie-Louise in charge.
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