Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany praised the appointment of Marie-Louise Eta as interim head coach of Union Berlin, calling it inspirational. Eta, 34, becomes the first woman to lead a men's Bundesliga team after Steffen Baumgart's dismissal. Kompany urged patience for her in the demanding coaching world.
Union Berlin named Marie-Louise Eta as interim head coach for their men's senior team this week, following the sacking of Steffen Baumgart. The 34-year-old had previously coached the club's Under-19 team and served as the first female assistant coach in the German top flight with Union Berlin in 2023. She will take over the club's women's team next season. Kompany, speaking ahead of Bayern Munich's Champions League match against Real Madrid, described the move as something special. “I am actually really happy (with Eta’s appointment),” he said. “It opens a lot of opportunities to little girls who now play football and think ‘I can coach anywhere, make a real career and be successful’. These stories are really important.” The Bayern boss also called for patience in an industry he described as ruthless. “I wish her all the best and the only part I wish she is not treated like a man, they are being patient with her, because the coaching job lacks patience on the leadership level,” Kompany added. Union Berlin condemned a wave of sexist online abuse aimed at Eta, labeling it “insane” and “embarrassing” in a statement on Monday.