union Berlin have taken steps after their defeat to Heidenheim and have set Marie-Louise Eta lead the first team until the end of the season. German capital club run Steffen Baumgart after the 3-1 loss on the 31st matchday and made a decision that is unprecedented in German football: Eta will be the first female head coach in the history of the men’s Bundesliga.
The Berlin outfit made the appointment official with the aim of securing permanence as soon as possible. There are three games left until the end of the season, Relationship are in 11th place with 31 points, six above the direct relegation places. The difference is there but it is also urgent and the club has chosen an immediate solution with someone who knows the club well.
Eta was part of Union’s sports organization and was until now the manager of the U19 team. His career at the club has been steady in recent years and the club understands that this knowledge of the context could be important in this final stretch, where the team is obliged to find stability in the fight to stay in the top flight.
The appointment also comes at a special time in her career. On April 3, Union had already announced it Marie-Louise Eta will be the head coach of the professional women’s team starting next season. Until then, she will perform her duties in the U19 national team, but will now immediately take over the training of the men’s team at the end of the season.
The club explained in a statement that the men’s first professional team will face this crucial stage under the management of Eta and that it will later announce who will fill the vacancy in the under-19 category. The Union’s intention is to muster all its strength at a time of maximum demand, with survival still at stake and three games ahead to close the season without any surprises.
Immediate pressure challenge
At his command, Eta said, “I am happy that the company entrusted me with this demanding responsibility. One of the Union’s strengths has been and is that in situations like this we pull together. I am convinced that with the team we will achieve results.”
Her debut will come in a scenario with maximum competitive excitement. Union needs points, atmosphere and quick reactions. And in this landscape, with the Bundesliga already in its final stages, the bench changes hands for the first time in its history with a woman at the helm.