Historic Shift at Union Berlin: Marie-Louise Eta Takes Reins as Interim Manager Following Baumgart Exit

In a move that marks a significant milestone for German football, 1. FC Union Berlin has appointed Marie-Louise Eta as interim head coach of the men’s first team. The announcement, made late Saturday, follows the dismissal of Steffen Baumgart and his assistant coaching staff as the club fights to secure its position in the Bundesliga.

The decision comes amidst a period of instability for the Berlin-based club, which has struggled to maintain consistency since the winter break. Along with Baumgart, assistant coaches Danilo de Souza and Kevin McKenna have also been relieved of their duties. The club is now turning to Eta, a familiar face within the organization, to navigate the final phase of the 2025/26 season.

For those following the league’s tactical shifts, this appointment is more than just a temporary fix. Eta, who previously served as the coach of Union’s U19s, is the first woman to accept charge of a men’s Bundesliga team. While her primary long-term trajectory was already set—she is slated to become the head coach of Union’s women’s professional team this summer—the club has accelerated her leadership role to address the immediate crisis facing the men’s squad.

A ‘Precarious’ Situation: The Numbers Behind the Dismissal

The catalyst for the coaching change was a stark decline in performance during the second half of the campaign. The club’s leadership expressed deep dissatisfaction with the team’s inability to gather points, noting that the current setup lacked the confidence required to turn the season around.

Horst Heldt, Union’s director of men’s professional football, was candid about the urgency of the situation. “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,” Heldt stated. He emphasized that the club’s status in the top flight is far from guaranteed, describing the current state as “precarious.”

The statistics supporting this decision are telling. Since the winter break, the men’s team managed only two wins across fourteen matches. For a club fighting to avoid relegation, this lack of momentum was deemed unacceptable by the board, leading to the decision to make a “fresh start” effective immediately.

Despite the abrupt exit, the club acknowledged the contributions of the departing staff. Heldt noted that Baumgart, de Souza, and McKenna were instrumental in the club’s survival in the league last season and helped secure a strong points haul during the first half of the current season.

Marie-Louise Eta’s Vision for the Final Stretch

Taking over with immediate effect, Marie-Louise Eta inherits a squad under immense pressure. The gap in the lower half of the Bundesliga table remains tight, meaning every remaining fixture carries significant weight for the club’s survival.

Eta expressed her readiness for the challenge, leaning on the cultural identity of the club to drive the team forward. “Given the points gap in the lower half of the table, our place in the Bundesliga is not yet secure,” Eta said. “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.”

Eta’s conviction remains high that the squad can deliver the necessary results. “And, of course, I am convinced that we will secure the crucial points with the team,” she added.

This transition is a unique administrative arrangement. By stepping in now, Eta provides the men’s team with internal leadership while maintaining her commitment to lead the women’s professional team starting in the summer. It is a strategic move by Union Berlin to utilize an existing coach who understands the club’s internal dynamics during a high-stakes period.

What Which means for Union Berlin Moving Forward

The immediate priority for the club is the battle to avoid relegation. The appointment of an interim manager is often a gamble intended to shock a stagnant dressing room into action. By promoting from within—specifically from the U19 level—Union is betting on a renewed sense of energy and a connection to the club’s developmental roots.

The fallout of the coaching change extends beyond the first team. With Eta moving up to the interim men’s role, a vacancy has opened at the U19 level. The club has indicated that an update regarding the appointment of a new U-19 coach will be provided shortly.

For the global football community, Eta’s appointment represents a breaking of the glass ceiling in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues. While her tenure is interim, the precedent of a woman leading a men’s Bundesliga side is a landmark moment for the sport.

As the club enters the final stretch of the season, the focus remains entirely on the pitch. The “battle to avoid relegation” is now under the sporting leadership of Marie-Louise Eta, with the club’s Bundesliga status hanging in the balance.

The club is expected to provide further updates on its technical staff and U19 leadership in the coming days. The men’s team will now begin preparations for their remaining fixtures under Eta’s guidance.

For more updates on the Bundesliga relegation battle and Union Berlin’s progress, stay tuned to Reuters and the official FC Union Berlin newsroom.

Next Checkpoint: Union Berlin will provide an update on the appointment of the new U-19 head coach shortly.