Marie-Louise Eta Makes History as Union Berlin’s New Interim Coach
Union Berlin has shaken up its leadership in a move that is both a strategic gamble and a historic milestone. The club has appointed Marie-Louise Eta as interim head coach for the remainder of the season, making her the first female head coach in the history of the Bundesliga.
The groundbreaking appointment follows the shock dismissal of head coach Steffen Baumgart and his assistant coaches, Danilo de Souza and Kevin McKenna, on Saturday, April 11, 2026. The decision comes at a critical juncture as the club fights to secure its position in Germany’s top flight.
The Shock Exit of Steffen Baumgart
The termination of Steffen Baumgart was immediate and unexpected. The catalyst was a 3-1 defeat to bottom-of-the-table FC Heidenheim on Saturday afternoon. Although there were no prior rumors of a sacking, the club’s recent form had become unsustainable.
Since the start of the 2026 calendar year, Baumgart’s side has struggled significantly, winning only two of their 14 Bundesliga fixtures. The “Rückrunde” (the second half of the campaign) has been characterized by anemic offensive performances; Union Berlin managed only nine goals across 12 fixtures, with their only two victories coming as slender 1-0 wins against Freiburg and Leverkusen.
Despite these struggles, the club had collected 33 points, leaving them in 12th place. However, managing director Horst Heldt determined that a “fresh start” was necessary to avoid a late-season collapse.
A Groundbreaking Appointment: Who is Marie-Louise Eta?
Marie-Louise Eta isn’t a stranger to the Union Berlin setup. The 34-year-traditional has been part of the coaching ranks since the 2023/24 season. Her ascent to the first-team helm is the result of a steady climb through the club’s infrastructure:
- U19 Leadership: Eta has spent this season coaching Union’s U19 team.
- First-Team Experience: She served as an assistant coach for the men’s team in November 2023 under Marco Grote and continued her role under Nenad Bjelica.
- Stepping Up: During the 2023/24 season, she assumed coaching duties when Bjelica was suspended for a match against Darmstadt.
Eta’s interim role is a temporary detour from her planned trajectory; she is scheduled to become the head coach of Union Berlin’s women’s professional team this summer.
The Stakes: The Battle for Bundesliga Survival
While Union Berlin currently sits in 12th place, the club’s leadership views their situation as “precarious.” They currently hold a seven-point lead over St. Pauli, who occupy 16th place—the promotion/relegation play-off spot.
Horst Heldt, the director of men’s professional football, emphasized that the club cannot be “blinded by our league position,” noting that the lack of confidence in the current set-up necessitated the change. Eta has acknowledged the challenge, stating that the club’s ability to “pull together” in difficult situations will be key to securing the crucial points needed for safety.
Key Takeaways: Union Berlin Coaching Change
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| New Interim Coach | Marie-Louise Eta |
| Historic Milestone | First female head coach in Bundesliga history |
| Departed Coach | Steffen Baumgart (and assistants Danilo de Souza, Kevin McKenna) |
| Reason for Change | Poor form (2 wins in 14 games in 2026) and 3-1 loss to Heidenheim |
| Current Standing | 12th Place (33 points) |
Looking Ahead
The focus now shifts to whether Eta can stabilize a struggling offense and maintain the gap between Union Berlin and the relegation zone. While the club provides an update on the U-19 coaching vacancy shortly, the immediate priority is ensuring that the men’s team secures its place in the Bundesliga for another season.