“At first I was surprised that they called me”

Marie-Louise Eta will make history this Saturday (15:30) in the Bundesliga match that will measure Union Berlin and Wolfsburg. The German coach will be the first of the five major men’s First Division leagues to direct (not as interim or provisional) a match.

A milestone that can be a before and after in the arrival of women to men’s soccer benches and which, therefore, is generating a lot expectation in European football. Today, in a packed press room in Berlin, Eta gave his first impressions after his appointment last weekend.

I know this has a social impact

“There was nothing to think about when they called me. I was at home preparing for the under-19 game. At first I was surprised, but of course I was happy for the trust placed in meand I immediately went to work to find out how we could best prepare for the game against Wolfsburg,” he began by telling us how his selection came about.

An appointment with conviction made by the German club, installed in the middle zone of the Bundesliga and that, whatever happens between now and the end of the season, will be remembered for the opportunity given to Eta. “I completely understand the public debate. But for me, it has always been about football, about working with people, which is what I enjoy the most. I am happy for the trust placed in me and for this weekend’s game. I know that this has a social impact, a significant effectbut now I only think about Wolfsburg,” he added.

I understand the interest this arouses, but I hope it goes away one day

Asked if she feels pioneerthe coach of 34 years She downplayed what happened and hoped that in the future an event of this type would not be new: “I am not the first woman in football. There were female coaches before me, even in the French second division. I understand the interest it arouses, but it would be great if these issues disappeared one day. We all want to get the best possible result, regardless of gender.“

I hope this serves as inspiration

Hate comments on social networks

“I know there were hateful comments, but also a lot of positive comments. It is a common problem on social networks, where people express themselves anonymously. It’s not about me, but about the situation in general, and that raises a lot of doubts in me. It says much more about those who publish those comments online than about the people affected,” she said when asked about all the commotion caused on the networks.

The hateful comments? It’s a common problem on social media, it’s not just me

To settle the issue, Eta wished that “This is an inspiration for young girls.” and reaffirmed that she did not feel surprised by all the commotion that her arrival on the bench of an elite men’s team has caused.