Union Berlin have named Marie-Louise Eta as interim head coach of their men’s side, making her the first woman to take charge of a Bundesliga team. The 34-year-old steps into the role following the dismissal of Steffen Baumgart and his assistants Danilo de Souza and Kevin McKenna after a 3-1 defeat to Heidenheim.
Union Berlin have named Marie-Louise Eta as interim head coach of their men’s side, making her the first woman to take charge of a Bundesliga team. The 34-year-old steps into the role following the dismissal of Steffen Baumgart and his assistants Danilo de Souza and Kevin McKenna after a 3-1 defeat to Heidenheim.
The club confirmed the decision late Saturday night, signaling urgency as the season nears its conclusion. Eta, previously in charge of the under-19 men’s squad, had already agreed earlier in the month to become head coach of Union’s women’s team starting next season.
She will now lead the senior men’s side for the final five matches of the campaign, tasked with ensuring the club retains its place in Germany’s top division.
Eta’s promotion continues a trailblazing journey in professional football. In 2023, she became the first female assistant coach in the Bundesliga and across Europe’s top five leagues. Her visibility increased further in 2024 when she handled media responsibilities during a suspension for then-head coach Nenad Bjelica.
Union’s sporting director Horst Heldt expressed confidence in her ability to guide the team through this critical period. He emphasized that her interim appointment aligns with the club’s broader plans, with Eta set to transition into her previously agreed role with the women’s team in the summer.
The decision reflects both trust in her capabilities and recognition of her growing influence within the club’s structure.
Baumgart, a former Union player, had only taken charge during the winter break of the 2024-25 season. However, a poor run of form prompted the leadership to act. Since the restart, the team managed just two victories in 14 matches, raising serious concerns about their trajectory.
Heldt admitted that recent displays and results offered little optimism that the situation would improve under the existing setup. Despite sitting 11th in the 18-team table, Union remain under threat, holding only a seven-point cushion over St. Pauli in the relegation zone.
The defeat to Heidenheim intensified worries, reinforcing the club’s view that immediate action was necessary to avoid slipping further into danger.
With five rounds remaining, Union’s margin for error is limited. Their next match comes against Wolfsburg, another side battling near the bottom of the standings, making it a pivotal encounter in the relegation fight.
Eta’s short-term mission is clear: secure enough points to guarantee Bundesliga survival. The coming weeks will determine whether this bold managerial change can stabilize the team and deliver the results required.
