Union Berlin Appoint Louise Eta As First Female Head Coach In Men’s Bundesliga History

In a groundbreaking move for German football, Union Berlin has appointed Marie-Louise Eta as interim head coach of the men’s first team until the end of the season, making her the first female head coach in the history of the men’s Bundesliga.

The decision follows a 2-0 defeat to Heidenheim on Saturday, a result that left Union dangerously close to the relegation places. Immediately after the match, the club parted ways with head coach Steffen Baumgart, who had only taken over earlier in the season.

In a surprise turn, the Berlin club turned to Eta, who had been working as Baumgart’s assistant coach and previously as the club’s U19 assistant.

Eta, 34, a former youth international for Germany (U15–U20) who also had spells at clubs including Turbine Potsdam and Bayer Leverkusen’s women’s teams, is now tasked with steering Union away from the drop zone over the final months of the campaign.

“This is not a symbolic appointment,” said Union sporting director Oliver Ruhnert. “Marie-Louise has the tactical knowledge, the personality, and the trust of the players. We are in a difficult situation, and we believe she can deliver results.”

Eta will take charge of training immediately, with her first match in the dugout coming next Saturday at home against league leaders Bayern Munich.

“Of course I’m aware of the historic nature of this role,” Eta said in a club statement. “But my focus is solely on Union Berlin, the team, and our fight to stay in the Bundesliga. We have work to do.”

The appointment has been widely praised across German football, though Eta is under no illusions about the task ahead: Union currently sit just two points above the relegation playoff spot with eight matches remaining.