By Ayomide Otitoju
Union Berlin have appointed Marie-Louise Eta as head coach, making her the first female manager in Bundesliga history following the dismissal of Steffen Baumgart.
Eta, 34, also becomes the first woman to lead a men’s team in the top flight of a major European league. Previously the Bundesliga’s first female assistant coach, she will take charge of the team for the remainder of the season.
In a statement, Eta expressed gratitude for the opportunity, describing her appointment as a significant challenge.
Baumgart was sacked on Sunday after a poor run of form, with Saturday’s 3-1 defeat to bottom-placed Heidenheim proving decisive. Union Berlin have managed just two wins since Christmas and currently sit seven points above the relegation play-off zone.
Sporting director Horst Heldt acknowledged the team’s struggles, noting that recent performances had failed to inspire confidence in a turnaround under the previous setup.
As a player, Eta enjoyed a successful career with Turbine Potsdam, winning the UEFA Women’s Champions League in 2010 alongside three league titles. She is also set to assume charge of Union Berlin’s women’s team at the end of the season.
While women have previously coached men’s teams in lower divisions, Eta’s appointment marks the first time a woman has taken charge of a men’s side in the Bundesliga.
