Union Berlin have appointed Marie-Louise Eta as coach after parting ways with Baumgart and his coaching staff. The decision follows a 3-1 defeat at bottom club FC Heidenheim, leaving Union in the lower part of the table.
Eta’s Historic Rise
Marie-Louise Eta made history in November 2023, becoming the first female assistant coach in the German top flight with Union. She later became the first woman to lead a Bundesliga team from the touchline during a 1-0 win over Darmstadt in January 2024, while then-manager Nenad Bjelica served a suspension.
“One of Union’s strengths has always been, and remains, the ability to pull together in such situations,” she said.
The Defeat Against Heidenheim
Mathias Honsak opened the scoring early for Heidenheim with a goal after just nine minutes. He was on target again 10 minutes before half-time, poking home his and Heidenheim’s second from inside the six-yard box to double the advantage for the hosts.
Union pulled one back with 15 minutes to go through Leopold Querfeld, who blasted home after a scramble in the Heidenheim box. Four minutes later, Budu Zivzivade restored Heidenheim’s two-goal cushion.
Zivzivade thought he had scored his second in stoppage-time, but the goal was ruled out for obstruction after a video assistant referee (VAR) check. He had yet another chance to score in the dying moments, but blasted over the bar from close range when scoring looked easier.
Looking Ahead
Union currently sits in 11th place in the standings with 32 points. Eta’s first game in charge will be at home against struggling Wolfsburg next weekend, where she will look to improve Union’s run of only one win in its past five matches.
Wolfsburg currently occupies the relegation play-off spot in the Bundesliga but is now just three points clear of Heidenheim after losing 2-1 to Einracht Frankfurt while Heidenheim upset Union.
“And, of course, I am convinced that we will secure the crucial points with the team.”