'Full throttle': Marie-Louise Eta starts Union Berlin training

TL;DR

Marie-Louise Eta has begun her role as the head coach of Union Berlin, becoming the first woman to lead a men's team in a European top league. She addressed the players during her first training session, which was attended by media and the club president.

Union Berlin new coach Marie-Louise Eta leads the training of the German Bundesliga club 1. FC Union Berlin at the Alte Foersterei. Marie-Louise Eta is the first woman in a European top league to take charge of a men's team. Matthias Koch/dpa

Marie-Louise Eta arrived with a big smile on her face for Union Berlin training on Tuesday as the first woman in a European top league to take charge of a men's team.

"Come together, lads," she said as she addressed the players in a short speech before the exercises in rainy conditions.

The session was closed for fans but Union president Dirk Zingler was present for the historic occasion along with around 40 German and international media representatives.

Eta mainly watched on during the first half-hour before taking charge when forms of play were trained. "Full throttle," she shouted, but also "lads, listen."

Eta was appointed head coach late Saturday for the remaining five games of the Bundesliga season, but possibly also beyond, in succession of Steffen Baumgart, who had to go after a 3-1 defeat at bottom club Heidenheim.

Union are 11th but have won only two of their games in 2026 and are not safe yet seven points above the danger zone.

Eta's first match in charge is on Saturday against second-last Wolfsburg. A victory would save Union from the direct drop.

Eta already worked as Union assistant coach in 2023 and before Saturday was in charge of the under-19 team. She is due to take over the women's Bundesliga team in summer but that may change if she achieves good results with the men's side.

Diretor of professional football Horst Heldt said that a change at the helm could energise a team and that Eta showed three years ago that she has everything it takes to be successful.

"She knows the stadium, knows the atmosphere, the people and first and foremost the players," Heldt added.

Q&A

Who is Marie-Louise Eta and what is her significance in football?

Marie-Louise Eta is the new head coach of Union Berlin and is significant for being the first woman to lead a men's team in a European top league.

What was the atmosphere like during Marie-Louise Eta's first training session with Union Berlin?

The atmosphere was positive, with Eta greeting the players with enthusiasm despite the rainy conditions, and the session was attended by media and the club president.

When did Marie-Louise Eta start training with Union Berlin?

Marie-Louise Eta started training with Union Berlin on a Tuesday, marking her first day as head coach.