History in Berlin: Marie-Louise Eta Becomes First Female Head Coach in Bundesliga Men’s History

Union Berlin have officially turned to 34-year-old Marie-Louise Eta to save their season. Following the dismissal of Steffen Baumgart after a dismal run of only two wins in 14 matches, Eta moves from the U19s to the senior hot seat. She now has just a few weeks to keep the “Iron Ones” in the top flight before her planned move to the Union women’s team this summer.

Who is Marie-Louise Eta?

• The Playing Pedigree: Under her maiden name, Bagehorn, she was a serial winner with Turbine Potsdam, securing three German championships and the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
• Coaching Roots: Shaped by the legendary Bernd Schröder, she is known for a coaching style that balances “hard work and resilience” with the “joy of the game.”
• Bundesliga Familiarity: This isn’t her first time on the big stage. She previously served as an assistant during the 2023/24 crisis and even stood in for Nenad Bjelica during his suspension.

The Mission: Relegation Survival

Union Berlin’s second half of the season has been “absolutely disappointing,” leaving them in a precarious position near the bottom of the table.

• The Current Run: 2 wins in the last 14 matches.
• The Goal: Pick up “crucial points” in the final stretch to avoid the drop.
• The Future: Regardless of the men’s outcome, she is still set to take over the Union Berlin Women’s team in Summer 2026.