Union Berlin have appointed Marie-Louise Eta to take charge of the men’s first team for the final stretch of the season, making her the first woman to serve as head coach of a men’s team in Bundesliga history. The club confirmed the decision after parting ways with Steffen Baumgart and his assistants following the team’s latest league setback.
According to Union Berlin, Eta steps into the role with immediate effect as the club battles to secure its Bundesliga status over the closing weeks of the campaign. She had been working with the U19 side and is also due to become head coach of Union’s women’s first team.
Her appointment adds another historic chapter to her coaching journey. Reuters and AP both reported that Eta’s promotion makes her the first woman to lead a men’s team in the Bundesliga after she had already broken new ground as the league’s first female assistant coach and the first woman to take charge from the touchline in a Bundesliga match.
Speaking through the club’s announcement, Eta said she was honored by the trust placed in her and expressed confidence that the team can collect the points needed to stay up. Union also said it will give further information later on who will replace her in the U19 role. For Union Berlin, the move comes at a critical moment in the season. For Eta, it is both a major responsibility and a historic milestone in German football.
By Keahsport Desk