Marie-Louise-Etta succeeds Baumgart as manager of Union Berlin, becoming the first female head coach in the Bundesliga.

Union Berlin issued a statement Saturday night confirming that 54-year-old Steffen Baumgart will no longer serve as head coach. His two assistants, Danilo de Sousa and Kevin McKenna, also depart the position.

Since taking over in January 2025, Baumgart had a record of 16 wins, 14 draws, and 21 losses at Union Berlin. The immediate reason for his dismissal was Union Berlin's 1-3 away defeat to bottom-placed Heidenheim on Saturday afternoon.

Regarding the personnel changes, Union Berlin's football director, Horst Helter, explained: "Our performance in the second half of the season has been extremely disappointing, and we will not be blinded by our current league ranking. Our situation remains precarious, and we desperately need points to avoid relegation. We have only managed two wins in 14 league matches since the winter break, and our performance in recent weeks has made us lose confidence that our current structure can turn the tide. Therefore, we have decided to start afresh."

“We sincerely thank Steffen Baumgart, Danilo de Sousa and Kevin McKenna for their contributions. It was their efforts that enabled us to avoid relegation last season and build a solid points foundation in the first half of this season. We wish them all the best in their careers and lives.”

Following the dismissal of Baumgart, the club quickly finalized a transitional appointment. Marie-Louise Etta, who had previously served briefly as an assistant coach for the first team, was appointed as interim head coach and will manage Union Berlin until the end of the 2025/26 season.

This appointment also makes 39-year-old Etta the first woman to head coach a men's first team in the history of the Bundesliga and even the top five European leagues. She has been coaching the U19 men's team for about a year and was originally scheduled to take over Union Berlin's women's team next season.

Union Berlin currently sits 11th in the Bundesliga with 32 points from 8 wins, 8 draws, and 13 losses, 11 points clear of the relegation zone. Regarding the heavy responsibility entrusted to him by the club, Eta stated, "Given the points gap between the teams in the bottom half of the table, our position in the Bundesliga is not yet secure. I am delighted that the club has entrusted me with this challenging task. A major advantage of Union Berlin is our ability to remain united under these circumstances. Of course, I believe we can lead the team to secure crucial points."

Image source: Internet/Berlin Union official website