Gender chatter and soccer inequality, a topic stirring at Union Berlin
In the football realm, no one seems to be dropping the equality conversation quicker than veteran coach, Bernd Schröder. Speaking to the German Press Agency, the 81-year-old, known for his time coaching star player Marie-Louise Eta at Turbine Potsdam, dismisses the hype around Union Berlin's new assistant coach.
"It's a social issue beyond sports. As a society, we're still far from equality," Schröder declared. This sentiment reveals a grim reality, even in a sphere as celebrated as soccer.
Schröder acknowledges the rapid ascension of Eta, his star player during 2008-2011. Their collaboration yielded three German titles and a Champions League victory. Unsurprisingly, Schröder attributes Eta's meteoric rise to sheer determination and ambition.
"Right from the start, she was a force to be reckoned with, her genes teeming with untapped potential," Schröder expressed. He believes in Eta's ability to lead but advises caution. "The spotlight can be overwhelming as a woman in soccer. Surrounded by a man, the pressure decreases," Schröder wisely suggested.
Union Berlin's new coach appointment sparks a gender equality debate in the Bundesliga; however, for Schröder, true equality in soccer remains an elusive dream. Factors like limited representation in decision-making positions, salary disparities, inadequate media coverage, and societal biases continue to hinder women in the sport.
Sources:
- [1] The Guardian, "Why Women’s Football Still Struggles For Equality In The Host Nation of 2019 World Cup" (July 1, 2019)
- [3] The Conversation, "Women's football and social media: inequality in 2022" (March 29, 2022)
