dailyloe.com – Union Berlin will host Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga on Saturday at Stadion An der Alten Forsterei. This match marks a historic moment as interim boss Marie-Louise Eta becomes the first female manager in Europe’s top five men’s leagues. The relegation-threatened Wolfsburg are desperate for points to aid their survival hopes.
Union Berlin’s hierarchy appointed Marie-Louise Eta as interim boss after parting ways with Steffen Baumgart. The decision followed a 3-1 defeat against bottom-of-the-table Heidenheim on April 11. The club has won only two of its 14 league matches in 2026. Eta had been working as Union’s Under-19’s head coach.
When Eta became Die Eisernen’s number two in November 2023, she was the Bundesliga’s first female assistant manager. She led from the touchline during a 1-0 win against SV Darmstadt in January 2024. Then-chief Nenad Bjelica was serving a suspension during that match. Eta is a Women’s Champions League winner.
Eta mentioned that Union Berlin’s place in the Bundesliga for 2026-27 is ‘not yet secure’. The club sits just seven points above St Pauli, who occupy the relegation playoff spot. There are five games remaining in the top flight calendar. Union fans will be wary of their side’s recent form.
The hosts have won only one of their last six outings, a 1-0 victory over Freiburg on March 15. Union Berlin has triumphed just once on their own turf in 2026. The team has dropped 11 points across its five most recent games. Eta will have her work cut out to avoid a tense close to the campaign.
Meanwhile, Wolfsburg’s tumultuous season looks set for a troubled finish. This would occur barring a minor miracle from their manager Dieter Hecking. Hecking is the club’s third manager this term. He was appointed back on March 8 after Daniel Bauer struggled at Volkswagen Arena.
The 61-year-old Hecking has not been able to turn things around so far. Wolfsburg are currently in the Bundesliga’s relegation playoff position. They sit one point behind 15th-placed Werder Bremen. A victory on Saturday is crucial for their survival hopes.[]
Source: Sports Mole
