In a landmark decision following the dismissal of head coach Steffen Baumgart, Union Berlin has appointed Marie-Louise Eta, 34, as their interim head coach. This move marks a significant moment, as Eta becomes the first woman to hold such a position in the German top-flight men’s league.
Who is Marie-Louise Eta?
Eta has previous experience with Union Berlin’s interim coaching staff during the 2023/24 season. She previously co-coached the team alongside Marco Grote, helping to navigate the transition between head coaches Urs Fischer and Nenad Bjelica. Although not solely in charge during those periods, Eta represented Union at several press conferences.
Since then, Eta has been coaching the FCU U19 team and is set to take over the Union Berlin women’s team, which has recently undergone a professional overhaul and earned promotion to the FrauenBundesliga.
A Groundbreaking Appointment
This official interim head coach appointment is a first for the Bundesliga, with no woman having previously coached on the touchline of a German men’s top-tier club. While some observers noted Eta’s significant involvement as Grote’s equal during the 2023/24 season, this designation solidifies her historic role.
Eta’s Vision for Union Berlin
Addressing her new role, Eta expressed her determination to secure Union Berlin’s place in the Bundesliga. “Staying in the Bundesliga is not yet secured given the point gaps in the lower half of the table,” she stated in a club release. “One of Union’s strengths has always been to pool all our resources together in such situations. And of course, I am convinced that we will secure the decisive points with the team.”
