SOCCER: Bayern's Kompany says Eta appointment is special, will open doors for girls in the sport

MUNICH, Germany – The appointment of Marie-Louise Eta as interim coach of Union Berlin, making her the first woman to coach a top-flight football team in Germany, marks a historic moment for women's football. Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany expressed his support for Eta's groundbreaking role, emphasizing how it will inspire young girls in the sport.

Eta made history on Saturday when she was appointed as interim coach of Union Berlin, becoming the first female to lead a Bundesliga team. Kompany, speaking at a press conference ahead of Bayern's Champions League return leg against Real Madrid on Wednesday, shared his excitement about the appointment.

"I am actually really happy (with Eta's appointment)," Kompany said. "I think these are key moments. It is easy to minimize them and say 'she is just a coach like everybody else and that is how we have to treat her as colleagues'. But in the end, it is something special. It opens a lot of opportunities to little girls who now play football and think, 'I can coach anywhere, make a real career, and be successful.' These stories are really important."

The Belgian coach continued, wishing Eta the best in her new role, but he also pointed out the challenges women coaches often face. "I wish her all the best and the only part I wish she is not treated like a man, is being patient with her, because the coaching job lacks patience on the leadership level," Kompany explained.

Eta, 34, had previously coached Union Berlin's Under-19 team and is set to take over the club's women's team from next season. Her path to becoming the first female assistant coach in the Bundesliga came in 2023, when she joined Union Berlin's staff.

However, her historic appointment has not been without its challenges. Union Berlin condemned the sexist online abuse directed at Eta following her appointment, calling it "disappointing" that the club had to respond to such criticism in 2026. The club described the discourse as "insane" and "embarrassing," reaffirming their commitment to supporting Eta in her new role.

With Eta's appointment, a new chapter begins for both Union Berlin and German football, as the sport continues to break barriers for women in leadership positions.

-Reporting by Karolos Grohmann, Editing by Christian Radnedge/Reuters