In an unexpected turn of events, Bundesliga club Union Berlin has dismissed head coach Steffen Baumgart and his assistant coaches following a 1:3 loss to FC Heidenheim. The club announced the decision late Saturday night.
“We express our gratitude to the three for their contributions, which were instrumental in our secure league survival last season and a strong performance in the first half of this campaign. We wish them success in their future endeavors, both professionally and personally,” stated managing director Horst Heldt in a message on ‘X’.
Baumgart’s departure paves the way for a woman to lead the team, at least temporarily. Union Berlin also revealed on the platform that Marie-Louise Eta, who previously coached the U19 juniors and is set to become the head coach of the club’s women’s first team, will assume the role of interim head coach for the Bundesliga side until the season concludes.
Eta takes immediate charge and expressed her enthusiasm for the challenging task. “One of Union’s enduring strengths has always been, and continues to be, uniting all our efforts in critical moments like this. I am confident that with this team, we will secure the essential points needed,” Eta remarked in her initial statement, looking ahead to the crucial final part of the season.
