Eta and Grote start at Union Berlin
For the first time in over five years, 1. FC Union Berlin started a week of training on Monday without long-term coach Urs Fischer. A few days after the Swiss coach's departure, interim coach Marco Grote and assistant Marie-Louise Eta led their first sessions at the An der Alten Försterei stadium.
The 32-year-old Eta is the first female assistant coach in Bundesliga history. During her much-noticed first public appearance on Monday, she mainly acted in the background, observing and briefly stepping in as a training partner during various ball exercises.
It is certain that the 2010 Champions League winner will be on the touchline with Grote against FC Augsburg on Saturday. After all, according to president Dirk Zingler, the search for a coach is a "careful process" that they want to tackle without time pressure. With the new coaching duo, the crisis-ridden team from Köpenick are hoping to return to winning ways for the first time in 14 games.
The participation of veteran Leonardo Bonucci is questionable. The Italian was absent from training due to thigh problems. Striker David Datro Fofana had to miss out due to dental problems.
Current assistant coach Sebastian Bönig will certainly not be on the bench against Augsburg. The 42-year-old asked the club for time off for personal reasons, as the Unioners announced shortly before training. According to the "Bild" newspaper, Bönig is said to be thinking about no longer being part of the professional coaching staff in the future. The Bavarian-born coach is held in high regard at the club and is said to have a permanent contract.
Eta made history as the first female assistant coach in the Bundesliga to work alongside interim coach Grote at 1st FC Union Berlin. Despite the absence of Sebastian Bönig due to personal reasons, Grote and Eta will lead Union Berlin against FC Augsburg in their pursuit to end their 14-game winless streak in the Bundesliga.
Source: www.dpa.com
