Union Berlin's director of football has denounced what he calls "insane" and "embarrassing" sexist abuse targeting newly appointed interim head coach Marie-Louise Eta.
Eta made history this week by becoming the first woman to take charge of a men's team in one of Europe's top five football leagues. Since the Bundesliga club announced her appointment on Sunday, the 34-year-old has faced a barrage of derogatory comments on social media platforms.
"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," said Union Berlin's director of football, Horst Heldt. "We have 100% confidence in Loui - complete conviction. I find it insane that we have to deal with this in this day and age."
Heldt emphasized the club's full support for Eta, stating that everyone at Union Berlin stands firmly behind the decision. "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% behind this decision and will do everything in their power to ensure that this doesn't lead to any further discussion in the future," he added.
Eta brings significant experience to the role. A former Germany youth international and Women's Champions League winner with Turbine Potsdam, she made history in November 2023 as the Bundesliga's first female assistant coach. Her breakthrough moment came in January 2024 when she stepped in for suspended manager Nenad Bjelica, leading Union Berlin to a 1-0 victory over Darmstadt and becoming the first woman to manage a Bundesliga team from the touchline.
Currently, Union Berlin sits 11th in the 18-team Bundesliga, maintaining an 11-point buffer above the automatic relegation zone with five matches remaining in the season. The team has struggled for form, securing only two wins in their last 14 league outings.
Heldt confirmed that Eta will conduct her first training session on Tuesday and is adapting quickly to her new responsibilities. "She had a great run with the U19s team, so she's already fulfilled a role as head coach and is experienced," he noted. "Another advantage is that we all know her and she knows us. She doesn't need to be shown the ropes here - she knows it all. She knows the stadium, the atmosphere, the people and, above all, the players."
The club executive expressed confidence in Eta's preparedness for the challenge, stating, "We're convinced that a head coach can only truly be a head coach if they've held that role before, which is why she is the logical next step."
Looking ahead, Eta is set to take over as head coach of Union Berlin's women's team this summer, further expanding her leadership role within the club.