Union Berlin has made a decisive call regarding the future of their interim men's head coach, Marie-Louise Eta. Club president Dirk Zingler has clarified that Eta will not be considered for the permanent role with the men's team, putting an end to recent speculation.

This announcement comes just weeks after a whirlwind period for the coach. Eta initially signed a contract to lead Union Berlin's women's team starting next season, only to be swiftly appointed as the interim boss for the men's side following the dismissal of Steffen Baumgart. Her historic appointment made her the first woman to coach a men's team in the Bundesliga, naturally sparking debate about her long-term prospects in the role.

However, Zingler has firmly shut the door on that possibility. In an interview with Sky, he stated, "Marie-Louise Eta will be in charge here for five matches and after that she will take over the women’s team." He emphasized that the original plan remains intact, noting that both parties entered the women's team contract with "full conviction."

Zingler also pushed back against the narrative surrounding her interim appointment, suggesting that framing it as a trial for the men's job undermines both Eta and women's football. "It's always a professional, football-related decision as to who coaches which team," he said, indicating the club's decision is based on strategic planning rather than performance in her brief stint.

Eta's immediate focus is now squarely on her five-game tenure, beginning with a tough Bundesliga clash against VfL Wolfsburg this Saturday. While her time with the men's first team has a defined endpoint, her pioneering step onto the touchline remains a significant moment for the sport.