Union Berlin Sack Steffen Baumgart, Appoint Marie-Louise Eta as Interim Coach

Union Berlin sack Baumgart, Eta makes history as interim coach

Union Berlin Dismiss Head Coach Steffen Baumgart, Name Marie-Louise Eta as First Female Bundesliga Manager.

Marie-Louise Eta makes history as Union Berlin's interim head coach, becoming the first female manager in Bundesliga and top five European leagues...

Union Berlin have parted ways with head coach Steffen Baumgart. The club cited a “disappointing second half of the season” as the reason.

In a shock move, they've appointed a female interim coach, making history in the Bundesliga. Managing director Horst Heldt stated the decision was due to an “absolutely disappointing second half of the season.”

“We urgently need points to secure our place in the league,” Heldt stated as the club's objective. He no longer believes that a “turnaround can be achieved with the current set-up.”

The men’s first team will tackle the final phase of the season under the leadership of Marie-Louise Eta, previously coach of the U-19s and future head coach of the women’s first team.

"One of Union’s strengths has always been, and remains, the ability to pull together in such… pic.twitter.com/gzfSJoORqW

— 1. FC Union Berlin (English) (@fcunion_en) April 11, 2026

Marie Louise Eta makes history as Union Berlin's interim coach. She'll lead the team temporarily, alongside her U19 role, before taking over the women's team this summer.

“I'm pleased Marie Louise Eta agreed to take on this role interimly,” said Horst Heldt. Eta's now the first female head coach in a men's top European league.

Eta's confident about staying in the league. “I'm grateful the club entrusted me with this challenging task,” she said.

She added, “One of Union's strengths has always been to come together... And of course, I firmly believe we'll pick up crucial points with this team”

Head coach Steffen Baumgart and assistant coaches Danilo de Souza and Kevin McKenna were relieved of their duties today.

"We would like to thank Steffen, Danilo and Kevin for their work... We wish them all the best, both professionally and personally,” said Horst Heldt,… pic.twitter.com/bLbzyGKmoA

— 1. FC Union Berlin (English) (@fcunion_en) April 11, 2026

Baumgart returned to Berlin in January. The former striker had a tough second half, collecting just 9 points since the winter restart.

Union was 9th with 23 points at the halfway mark, but struggled afterwards.