Marie-Louise Eta Makes Bundesliga History as Union Berlin’s First Female Head Coach

Union Berlin have made history by appointing Marie-Louise Eta as head coach of their men’s Bundesliga team, marking the first time a woman has led a men’s side in Europe’s top five football leagues.

Eta, 34, steps in following the dismissal of Steffen Baumgart and his assistants after Union’s 3-1 defeat to Heidenheim. With five matches remaining, Eta’s immediate task is to secure the club’s Bundesliga survival.

‘Staying in the Bundesliga is not yet guaranteed given the point differences in the lower half of the table. I’m happy that the club entrusts me with this challenging task,’ Eta said.

‘Union’s strength has always been our ability to pull together, and I’m convinced we’ll get the decisive points with the team.’

Eta already broke ground in 2023 as the Bundesliga’s first female assistant coach and has previously stepped in for media duties during Nenad Bjelica’s suspension.

She was set to take charge of Union’s women’s team next season but will now lead the men’s side on an interim basis.

Union sporting director Horst Heldt praised the appointment.

‘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.

‘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. Her leadership and knowledge of the club are invaluable at this critical stage,’ he told the cub’s website.

Union Berlin currently sit 11th in the Bundesliga, seven points clear of the relegation zone, but with only two wins in 14 matches since the winter break. The team faces Wolfsburg next weekend in a crucial survival clash.