Having become the first woman to coach a team in the five biggest European championships, Marie-Louise Eta made history. The 34-year-old led Union Berlin against Wolfsburg in a 2-1 defeat. Focused on the end of the season with the club from the German capital, she will try to bounce back this Friday against RB Leipzig. In an interview given to Bildshe returned to her role as a pioneer and to gender-related clichés.
“I understand this interest. I am aware of its social implications. This gives me responsibility, whether I like it or not. But for me, it was never about strengthening the role of women. I have always wanted to convince with my successes. I make no difference between working with men or women. I take care of each individual. We could say: women are more sensitive and men more proud. For me, these are clichés. I have already had to support many sensitive men. And then, there are also women for whom, as a coach, I have sometimes had to give a little help. I’ve gotten tougher over the years. I know how to defend myself, ignore criticism and fight back. My father always wanted a son, and he already had two daughters when I was born. He didn’t impose anything on me, but we played a lot of football in the garden. It contaminated me”she said.
