In a history-making move, Union Berlin has appointed Marie-Louise Eta as head coach through the rest of the season.
Eta, 34, will become the first woman to coach a men's team in one of Europe’s top-five leagues (England, Germany, Spain, Italy, France).
The Bundesliga club fired Steffen Baumgart on Saturday night, just hours after a 3–1 loss to Heidenheim.
Union Berlin immediately replaced Baumgart with Eta, who will serve as an interim before taking charge of Union Berlin’s women’s team ahead of next season.
"We have had a hugely disappointing second half of the season so far and will not allow ourselves to be blinded by our league position," Union's director of men's professional football, Horst Heldt, said in a statement.
"Our situation remains precarious and we urgently need points to secure our place in the league.
"Two wins from 14 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."
Eta has already made history in the 2023–24 season, when she became the first woman to serve as an assistant coach in the men’s Bundesliga with Union Berlin.
During that season, Eta filled in for head coach Nenad Bjelica when he was suspended for three games, becoming the first woman to manage a match in the men’s Bundesliga.
"Given the point gaps in the bottom half of the table, staying in the Bundesliga is not yet guaranteed," Eta said.
"I'm delighted that the club has entrusted me with this challenging task. One of Union's strengths has always been our ability to pull together in such situations. And of course, I'm convinced that we'll get the crucial points with this team."
Union Berlin is currently in 11th place in the Bundesliga, seven points clear of the relegation playoff spot, with five games remaining.
