History-Maker Eta Takes Charge as Union Berlin Axe Baumgart

Union Berlin have made history by appointing Marie-Louise Eta as interim head coach, becoming the first woman ever to take charge of a Bundesliga club.

Steffen Baumgart has paid the price for a miserable run of form, dismissed after Saturday’s 3-1 thumping at FC Heidenheim left Union Berlin languishing in 11th place and uncomfortably close to the relegation scrap.

In his place steps 34-year-old Eta, a trailblazer who already made history in 2023 as the first female assistant coach in the German top flight. Now she takes the ultimate step, inheriting a squad that desperately needs steadying with the season entering its final stretch.

Eta is no stranger to the club. She has been coaching Union’s Under-19 side and is already set to lead the club’s women’s team from next season. This interim role, though, is a different challenge entirely, and she knows it.

“Our place in the Bundesliga is not yet secure,” she said in her first statement as head coach. “I am delighted that the club has entrusted me with this challenging task. I am convinced that we will secure the crucial points with the team.”

The timing could hardly be more pressing. Union’s first fixture under Eta is a home clash against relegation-threatened Wolfsburg on Saturday, a must-win atmosphere before a ball has even been kicked.

History has been made. Now comes the hard part.