Amidst the sexist comments on social media, Union Berlin's appointment of Marie-Louise Eta as interim head coach has sparked a positive reaction. Eta, 34, becomes the first female to lead a men's team in Europe's top five leagues. The mayor of Berlin welcomed the move, and Vincent Kompany hailed it as a key moment for women in football.
For Sarina Wiegman, a two-time European champion and World Cup finalist, Eta's appointment reflects the progress of society. Despite the beauty and popularity of football, the sport has been slow to change, with openly gay male players still rare.
Union Berlin's decision to appoint Eta comes after a brief and forgettable stint in India, where Amelia Valverde spoke about the importance of love and passion in football. Eta's experience as a player and coach, including her Pro licence coaching badge, has not been enough to silence the critics.
However, Kompany's words of encouragement have resonated with many, and Union Berlin's director of football, Horst Heldt, has defended Eta against the abuse she has received. As Eta and Roberto de Zerbi face the challenge of keeping their teams away from the drop zone, her appointment marks a significant moment for women in football.
