BERLIN — Union Berlin has made history by appointing Marie-Louise Eta as the first female coach of a men’s team in the Bundesliga, as the club strives to secure its place in the league.
The 34-year-old Eta steps in following the dismissal of Steffen Baumgart, along with assistants Danilo de Souza and Kevin McKenna, after the team’s disappointing 3-1 defeat against last-place Heidenheim on Saturday, as announced by Union just before midnight.
Previously coaching the under-19 men’s team, Eta had agreed earlier this month to take over the women’s team next season. She now faces the challenge of ensuring Union’s survival in the Bundesliga with just five matches remaining.
In 2023, Eta broke new ground as the first female assistant coach in the Bundesliga and within the main leagues of Europe’s top five divisions. She notably filled in for head coach Nenad Bjelica for media obligations when he was suspended for three games in 2024.
“I’m thrilled that Marie-Louise Eta will be taking on this interim role before she transitions to head coach of the women’s first team as planned for the summer,” Union sporting director Horst Heldt stated.
Baumgart, a former player for Union, was hired during the winter break of the 2024-25 season. However, Heldt mentioned that disappointing recent performances led the club to this difficult decision.
“The second half of the season has been completely disappointing, and we cannot let our position in the table deceive us—our situation remains precarious, and we urgently need points to ensure our stay in the league,” he added.
With the loss to Heidenheim, Union Berlin now sits 11th in the 18-team league, only seven points ahead of St. Pauli, who are in the relegation zone, with five matches left to play.
“Two wins in 14 matches since the winter break, combined with recent performances, do not instill confidence that we can improve with the current setup. Therefore, we’ve decided to make a fresh start,” Heldt concluded.
Union’s next challenge will be against Wolfsburg, who are also battling for survival, in the upcoming weekend.