Union Berlin have appointed Marie-Louise Eta as interim coach until the end of the season following the dismissal of Steffen Baumgart, the club said. The 34-year-old will become the first woman to manage a team in the Bundesliga and any of Europe’s major domestic leagues.
The capital club released Baumgart after the 3-1 defeat to Heidenheim, on Saturday (11), which left Union in 11th place. With five rounds to go before the end of the season, the distance is seven points from the relegation zone.
“Our place in the Bundesliga [a primeira divisão] is not yet guaranteed. I am delighted that the club has entrusted me with this challenging task,” said Eta. “One of Union’s strengths has always been, and continues to be, the ability to come together in situations like this. And, of course, I am convinced that we will win the decisive points.”
Eta had been coaching Union’s under-19 team and will take charge of the club’s women’s team from next season. She became the first woman to serve as an assistant coach in the German top flight with Union in 2023.
