Marie-Louise Eta has been appointed as Union Berlin's interim head coach until the end of the season, becoming the first female head coach in the men's Bundesliga. She expressed confidence in the team's ability to secure crucial points, according to her statement. Eta's appointment comes after Union Berlin fired head coach Steffen Baumgart and assistant coaches Danilo de Souza and Kevin McKenna.
According to multiple reports, the firings occurred after Union Berlin's 3-1 loss at Heidenheim on Saturday. Horst Heldt, the director of men's football, explained the decision in an official statement, citing disappointing performances. Union Berlin currently sits 11th in the Bundesliga table with 32 points and five games remaining.
Given the points gap in the lower half of the table, our place in the Bundesliga is not yet secure.
According to multiple reports, the team is only seven points clear of 16th-placed St Pauli, who would face a relegation play-off. Eta acknowledged the tight standings in her statement. Eta brings prior experience with Union Berlin to her new role.
In January 2024, she became the first female coach to take charge of a Bundesliga fixture, guiding Union Berlin to victory over Darmstadt. The team's poor form has been a significant concern, with Union Berlin having two wins from fourteen matches since the winter break, according to Heldt. Questions remain about what immediate tactical or personnel changes Eta plans to implement to address this slump.
I am delighted that 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. And, of course, I am convinced that we will secure the crucial points with the team.
Unanswered questions also surround the specific terms or conditions in Eta's interim contract and the financial implications of firing Baumgart and his assistants mid-season. Additionally, it is unclear who will replace Eta as coach of the men's Under-19 team for the remainder of the season. Heldt noted in his statement that Eta will become head coach of the women's team in the summer as planned.
The club's decision to appoint Eta reflects a strategic move during a challenging period, with the team aiming to avoid relegation threats in the final matches of the season.
We have had a hugely disappointing second half of the season so far and will not allow ourselves to be blinded by our league position. Our situation remains precarious and we urgently need points to secure our place in the league. Two wins from fourteen matches since the winter break and the performances shown in recent weeks do not give us the confidence that we can still turn things around with the current set-up. We have therefore decided to make a fresh start.
I am glad that Marie Louise Eta has agreed to take on this role on an interim basis before she becomes head coach of the women's team in the summer as planned.