Union Berlin make history by appointing first female head coach

Eta has been put in charge in an interim role for the team's final five games of the Bundesliga season to secure their status in the top-flight.

She replaces Steffen Baumgart, who was fired with his assistants Danilo de Souza and Kevin McKenna after the team's 3-1 loss at bottom side Heidenheim on Saturday.

Union Berlin are currently 11th in the Bundesliga standings, seven points clear of St. Pauli in the relegation zone with five games remaining.

"I'm delighted that Marie Louise Eta has agreed to take on this role on an interim basis before she becomes head coach of the women's first team as planned in the summer," Union sporting director Horst Heldt said in a statement.

Eta added: "Given the points gap in the lower half of the table, our place in the Bundesliga is not yet secure.

"I am delighted the club has entrusted me with this challenging task. One of Union's strengths has always been, and remains, the ability to pull together in such situations.

"I am convinced that we will secure the crucial points."

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