Marie-Louise Eta named Union Berlin interim boss, first woman in a top five league | OneFootball

Marie-Louise Eta has been appointed interim head coach of Union Berlin, becoming the first woman to manage in the Bundesliga or any of Europe’s top five leagues. It breaks a long-standing glass ceiling in the men’s game.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, the 34-year-old steps up until the end of the season, with a move already planned to take charge of the club’s women’s team next year. There have been isolated precedents in smaller leagues, but none at this level.

Eta had been coaching Union’s under-19s. Despite an 11-point cushion with five matches remaining, a run of two wins in 14 led to the dismissal of Steffen Baumgart and her promotion.

The Dresden-born coach said she was pleased the club had entrusted her with a demanding task. She highlighted Union’s strength in uniting at difficult moments and said she was convinced the team would collect the decisive points.

Eta had already broken barriers at Union in 2023, becoming the first woman to serve as an assistant in the Champions League. Months later she led the side from the touchline for three matches while head coach Marco Grote was suspended.

A former player, she represented Hamburg, Werder Bremen and Turbine Postdam, winning the 2010 Champions League with the latter.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo