Union Berlin Appoint Marie-Louise Eta as Coach, Making Bundesliga History

Union Berlin have appointed Marie-Louise Eta as interim head coach for the remainder of the season following the departure of Steffen Baumgart, positioning her to become the first female head coach in Bundesliga history.

Eta, 34, has led Union Berlin’s U19 side this season and will now take charge of the senior team before transitioning to head coach of the club’s women’s side in the summer. She previously worked with the men’s team as an assistant under Marco Grote in November 2023 and continued in a coaching capacity under Nenad Bjelica. During the 2023/24 campaign, she also stepped in to assume responsibilities when Bjelica served a suspension.

Union Berlin made the managerial change after a 3-1 defeat to 1. FC Heidenheim left them 12th in the table, just seven points above the relegation play-off spot occupied by FC St. Pauli.

Sporting director Horst Heldt said the club acted due to urgent concerns over form and results. “Our situation remains precarious and we urgently need points to secure our place in the league,” he said, citing just two wins in 14 matches since the winter break. “We have therefore decided to make a fresh start.”

Heldt also thanked Baumgart, who joined in December 2024, along with assistants Danilo de Souza and Kevin McKenna, for stabilizing the club last season and guiding a strong first half of the current campaign.

Eta acknowledged the challenge ahead but expressed confidence in the squad. “Our place in the Bundesliga is not yet secure,” she said. “I am delighted that the club has entrusted me with this challenging task… I am convinced that we will secure the crucial points with the team.”

She is set to take charge of her first match when Union Berlin host VfL Wolfsburg, a fixture that could mark a historic milestone in the Bundesliga.