Union Berlin's assistant coach Marie-Louise Eta is not a fan of quotas for women - not even in professional soccer. "Quotas are sometimes used in business, but that's not my point. We shouldn't force women into certain positions. I understand the thinking behind it. But I never want to get anywhere to fulfill a quota," the 32-year-old told the Berlin newspaper "Tagesspiegel" in an interview.
The former German champion and Champions League winner was appointed assistant coach for the men's team in the Bundesliga at the Eisernen in November following the departure of long-term coach Urs Fischer from the U19s. After working with Marco Grote on an interim basis, she was also appointed to Nenad Bjelica's staff. When he was suspended following his red card in the match at Bayern Munich, Eta also took on additional communicative and representative tasks for her boss.
"I want to be hired - even if it takes longer or you might have to prove yourself more - because they are convinced that I am suitable, that I have the qualities and that I can deliver the necessary performance," said Eta. Whether she will one day become the first female head coach in the pros is not a decisive factor for her.
"I'm just happy to be here. I do believe that a head coach position will be possible at some point, but it's difficult to pinpoint a specific time. Whether it's me or someone else doesn't matter," said Eta.
Soccer has certainly evolved in terms of equality, albeit slowly. "Basically, society is already more advanced in certain areas. But soccer has also become more open. Even if I sometimes didn't know what to expect, I was welcomed everywhere with open arms. If you just be yourself and the players and staff realize that you know what you're talking about, you're quickly accepted," she said of her experiences. "I hope that for women who come after me, it's not so special anymore," she added.
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