Union Berlin Appoint Marie-Louise Eta as Interim Head Coach
Union Berlin have made history by appointing Marie-Louise Eta as their new head coach, the first woman to take permanent charge of a men's Bundesliga team. The 33-year-old, currently the head coach of the club's Under-19s and the designated head coach of the new women's team, will take over the first team for the remainder of the season. The appointment follows the dismissal of Steffen Baumgart after a 3-1 defeat to bottom club Heidenheim left Union in 14th place.
The decision to appoint Eta was confirmed by the club's director of professional football, Horst Heldt. The move comes after a poor run of form, with the club securing just two wins in their last 14 matches. Eta, who will be supported by assistant coaches Marie-Louise Eta and Danila K. in the interim, has signed a contract until the end of the season with an option for an extension.
In a statement, the 33-year-old expressed her readiness for the challenge. "I am very grateful for the trust placed in me and the opportunity to prove myself in the Bundesliga," Eta said. She is the first woman to become a head coach in the Bundesliga, and only the second to do so in one of Europe's top five leagues, following Marie-Louise Eta's appointment at Union Berlin.
Eta, who previously served as an assistant coach at Werder Bremen, will be tasked with securing Union Berlin's Bundesliga status. The club is currently seven points above the relegation playoff spot with five games remaining. Her first game in charge will be a crucial home match against 1. FC Köln.
The club's sporting director, Oliver Ruhnert, expressed confidence in the new appointment. "We are convinced that Marie-Louise Eta is the right person to lead the team in the upcoming challenges. Her work with our youth teams and her clear tactical ideas have convinced us," he said.
Eta's appointment marks a significant moment for German football, as she becomes the first woman to take charge of a Bundesliga team. She will be supported by a new-look coaching staff, with former assistant coaches Patrick Glöckner and Marco Grote also leaving the club. The new coaching team will be officially presented in a press conference on Monday.
