Marie-Louise Eta has been appointed interim head coach of Union Berlin, making her the first woman to serve as head coach of a men's team in a top-five European league, the Bundesliga. The 34-year-old steps into the role following the dismissal of head coach Steffen Baumgart and his assistants, which came after Union Berlin lost 3-1 to bottom-placed Heidenheim. Eta brings significant experience from within Union Berlin, having previously served as an assistant coach at the club, becoming the first woman in that role in Bundesliga history.
She also coached Union Berlin's men's under-19 team and temporarily took charge of the men's team in early 2024 when then-head coach Nenad Bjelica was suspended. Union Berlin currently sits in 11th place in the Bundesliga, having won only two of its last 14 league games. Despite being seven points clear of the relegation playoff spot, the team's form has been a major concern, with the recent loss to Heidenheim highlighting their struggles.
I hope to 'convince with quality and substance' rather than benefit from any tokenism.
At 34, Eta's appointment marks a significant milestone in her career trajectory, positioning her as a pioneering figure in European football. Reactions from notable figures in women's football have been supportive, with England women's national team coach Sarina Wiegman paying tribute in a press conference. Eta's appointment places her among a small group of women who have coached men's professional teams in Europe.
According to research, Carolina Morace became the first woman to manage a men's professional team in Europe in 1999 with Italian third division side Viterbese. More recently, Sabrina Wittmann is head coach of third-tier club FC Ingolstadt and is approaching her second anniversary in the job, according to major media reports. In England, historical context shows that no woman has yet led a professional men's team in a competitive fixture, according to major media, though Hannah Dingley became the first woman to manage a professional men's team in English football as caretaker boss of Forest Green Rovers in July 2023, based on research.
It's great. She's a trailblazer. I think this was a matter of time anyway. It's exciting, it shows that, again, football is moving up. There are women in society everywhere and the next step is that it's also in football, male and female.
In France, Corinne Diacre managed Ligue 2 side Clermont Foot between 2014 and 2017, adding to the precedent of women in men's football leadership. The public and social media response to Eta's appointment has been overwhelmingly positive, with research indicating that support has been enormous and largely positive. The specific factors leading to Baumgart's dismissal beyond the Heidenheim loss remain unclear, as the club has not provided detailed reasons.
The exact terms and duration of Eta's interim contract are not publicly known, leaving uncertainty about her tenure. It is unknown how this role will impact her planned transition to head coach of the women's team this summer, which could be affected by her interim duties. Unknown tactical or managerial changes Eta plans to implement to address the poor form, as she has not publicly outlined her strategies.
Given the points gap in the lower half of the table, our place in the Bundesliga is not yet secure. I am delighted the club has entrusted me with this challenging task. One of Union's strengths has always been, and remains, the ability to pull together in such situations. I am convinced that we will secure the crucial points.
Reactions from Union Berlin's players and staff to Eta's appointment have not been publicly detailed, with no official statements released.