Marie-Louise Eta took charge of Union Berlin for the first time on Matchday 30, after being named as the club's interim head coach. - © XX / DFL/Getty Images/Joern Pollex

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Marie-Louise Eta reflects on her Union Berlin debut: 'It's not about me'

18.04.2026

Marie-Louise Eta made global headlines this week by becoming the first female head coach to take charge of a Bundesliga side when she was appointed at Union Berlin, but after her first game in charge she emphasised that she was not the focus of the team.

Eta stated she was "disappointed" after the Matchday 30 clash, as Union Berlin had several big opportunities to score against Dieter Hecking's side.

Wolfsburg raced into an early lead at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei, thanks to a Patrick Wimmer wonderstrike. Dženan Pejčinović made it 2-0 just after the break, while Oliver Burke notched a late consolation goal for the hosts. The result means Union are now just six points clear of the relegation play-off spot, in 11th.

Watch: Match highlights

Yet despite it being a historic occasion for Germany football, Eta was keen to keep the spotlight on the collective. "Ultimately, it's not about me," she said in a post-match interview.

"I'm delighted to be here now, and I'm doing my best to support the team together with my coaching staff. After all, I'm not alone. We're surrounded by lots of good people now, and we're all walking this path together and supporting one another. As I said, you could see that this team still has life."

Watch: Eta takes stock after first game

In her press conference, Eta added: “First and foremost, I’m disappointed we lost the game. But I liked the way the boys went into it. We had good energy in training during the week, and we implemented lots of things we worked on. At the end of the day it’s about football, and that’s what I focused on.”

Union captain Christopher Trimmel also shared his thoughts after the Wolfsburg game: “We have a new head coach [Eta] and new tactics and objectives to implement. That’s not so easy either, but I think, all things considered, we did well."

Next up for Union is a daunting trip to RB Leipzig on Matchday 31, who are aiming to secure UEFA Champions League qualification. A win against Ole Werner's side would all but secure their status as a Bundesliga club for another season.