Union Berlin appoints first female Bundesliga coach
Union Berlin has made history by appointing Marie-Louise Eta as manager, making her the first female head coach in Bundesliga history. The 34-year-old takes over after Steffen Baumgart was sacked following the club's poor second-half performance, with just two wins since Christmas.
Eta, who was previously the first female assistant coach in the Bundesliga, becomes the first woman to manage a men's team in a major European top flight. 'I am delighted the club has entrusted me with this challenging task,' Eta stated in her official announcement.
As a player with Turbine Potsdam, Eta won the Champions League in 2010 and three Bundesliga titles. She has already committed to taking over Union Berlin's women's Bundesliga team from the summer.
The historic appointment comes as Union Berlin sits seven points above the relegation play-off spot. 'Our situation remains precarious, and we desperately need points to stay in the league,' sporting director Horst Held admitted after Saturday's 3-1 defeat by last-placed Heidenheim.
This milestone breaks significant barriers in football management, with women previously only managing men's teams in lower divisions across Europe. Could this inspire more women to pursue coaching careers in Nigerian football?