Marie-Louise Eta Appointed as Union Berlin's Interim Head Coach in Historic Move
In a groundbreaking development for women in men's football, Marie-Louise Eta has secured her first managerial role at a top-flight club within Europe's major five leagues. Announced late on Saturday, the 34-year-old has been appointed as Union Berlin's interim head coach until the season concludes, marking a significant milestone in the sport.
Historic Appointment Follows Baumgart's Dismissal
Eta replaces Steffen Baumgart, who was fired alongside his assistants Danilo de Souza and Kevin McKenna after Union Berlin's disappointing 3-1 loss to Bundesliga's bottom side Heidenheim earlier that day. This appointment makes Eta the first female to lead a men's team as a manager in any of Europe's elite leagues: the Bundesliga in Germany, Ligue 1 in France, LaLiga in Spain, the Premier League in England, or Serie A in Italy.
Her journey to this historic role began in November 2023 when she became the first female assistant coach in the Bundesliga, joining Marco Grote's backroom staff at Union Berlin. Just two months later, in January 2024, she made further history by becoming the first female coach to take charge of a Bundesliga fixture, guiding Union Berlin to a victory over Darmstadt while then-manager Nenad Bjelica served a three-game touchline ban.
Mission to Secure Bundesliga Survival
Eta's primary objective this season is to help Union Berlin avoid relegation. The club currently sits 11th in the Bundesliga table with 32 points and only five games remaining. However, their position is precarious, as they are just seven points clear of 16th-placed St Pauli, who would face a relegation play-off against Hannover, the third-place side in the second division, based on the current standings.
Prior to this appointment, Eta had been coaching the men's Under-19 side this season and had already agreed earlier this month to take over as manager of Union's women's team next term. Upon accepting the interim role, she expressed confidence in preserving Union Berlin's top-flight status.
'Given the points gap in the lower half of the table, our place in the Bundesliga is not yet secure,' Eta stated. 'I am delighted that the club has entrusted me with this challenging task. One of Union's strengths has always been, and remains, the ability to pull together in such situations. And, of course, I am convinced that we will secure the crucial points with the team.'
Club Leadership Backs Fresh Start
Union's director of men's football, Horst Heldt, explained the decision to sack Baumgart and appoint Eta, citing a disappointing second half of the season. 'We have had a hugely disappointing second half of the season so far and will not allow ourselves to be blinded by our league position,' Heldt said. 'Our situation remains precarious and we urgently need points to secure our place in the league. Two wins from fourteen matches since the winter break and the performances shown in recent weeks do not give us the confidence that we can still turn things around with the current set-up. We have therefore decided to make a fresh start.'
Heldt added, 'I am delighted that Marie-Louise Eta has agreed to take on this role on an interim basis before becoming head coach of the women's professional team in the summer as planned. We would like to thank Steffen Baumgart, Danilo de Souza and Kevin McKenna for their work, to whom we owe our secure survival in the league last season and a good points haul in the first half of this season. We wish them all the best, both professionally and personally.'
Upcoming Challenge Against Wolfsburg
Eta's first game in charge will be a crucial test on Saturday afternoon at 2.30pm (BST), when Union Berlin hosts second-bottom side Wolfsburg. This match presents an immediate opportunity to secure vital points in the fight against relegation, with Eta's leadership and tactical acumen set to be under intense scrutiny as she aims to build on her previous successes with the club.
