Union Berlin has appointed Marie-Louise Eta as interim head coach, making her the first woman to lead a men's team in the Bundesliga and across Europe's top five soccer leagues.

The 34-year-old Eta takes over from Steffen Baumgart, who was dismissed late Saturday along with his assistants following Union Berlin's 3-1 defeat to last-place Heidenheim. The club announced the coaching change just before midnight Saturday.

Eta previously made history with Union Berlin in 2023 as the first female assistant coach in the Bundesliga and across the top divisions of Europe's major leagues. She had been coaching Union's Under-19 men's team and had agreed earlier this month to become head coach of Union's women's team next season.

"Staying in the Bundesliga is not yet guaranteed given the point-differences in the lower half of the table," Eta said on the club website. "I'm happy that the club entrusts me with this challenging task."

Union Berlin currently sits in 11th place in the 18-team Bundesliga, seven points clear of the relegation zone with five matches remaining. The club has won only two of 14 games since the winter break, prompting management to make the coaching change.

Sporting director Horst Heldt said the team's recent performances did not provide confidence they could secure survival with the previous setup. Eta will have five games to help ensure Union Berlin's top-flight status, beginning with a home match against Wolfsburg next weekend.