Marie-Louise Eta's groundbreaking appointment as the Bundesliga's first female head coach culminated in a disappointing 2-1 home defeat to Wolfsburg on Saturday afternoon.
The 34-year-old, who stepped up from her role as assistant and youth team coach following Steffen Baumgart's departure last week, received a rapturous reception from supporters at the Stadion An der Alten Forsterei before kick-off.
However, the historic occasion was overshadowed by the result, which leaves Union Berlin in 11th position with just six points separating them from the relegation play-off place.
Four matches remain for Eta to secure top-flight survival for the capital club.
Marie-Louise Eta's reign got off to a losing start but Union Berlin still have matches to stave away relegation threats
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Despite the significance of her barrier-breaking achievement, Eta was determined to shift attention away from herself in the aftermath.
"Ultimately, it's not about me," she stated in her post-match interview.
"I'm delighted to be here now, and I'm doing my best to support the team together with my coaching staff. After all, I'm not alone."
Speaking at her press conference, the new head coach expressed frustration at the outcome whilst acknowledging positive signs from her squad.
"First and foremost, I'm disappointed we lost the game. But I liked the way the boys went into it," Eta said, highlighting the strong training sessions during the week.
The sporting director of Union Berlin, Horst Heldt, was furious over indications that the appointment was down to PR reasons.
Union Berlin have insisted the appointment is not driven by publicity
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He said: “I find it insane that we have to deal with this in this day and age.
"We’re talking about a highly competent leader here, and you can be sure that everyone here at Union, whether in the stands or within the club itself, stands 100 percent behind this decision and will do everything in their power to ensure that this doesn’t lead to any further discussion in the future. It’s just embarrassing."
Patrick Wimmer opened the scoring after just ten minutes, cutting inside from midfield before curling an unstoppable effort into the top corner with the outside of his boot.
Dzenan Pejcinovic doubled Wolfsburg's advantage shortly after half-time, capitalising on a high interception to fire home from distance.
Oliver Burke pulled one back for the hosts in the closing stages, but Union could not find an equaliser despite registering 25 attempts on goal.
Captain Christopher Trimmel reflected on the challenge of adapting to new methods under Eta's guidance.
"We have a new head coach and new tactics and objectives to implement," he said. "That's not so easy either, but I think, all things considered, we did well."