Union Berlin appoint Mauro Lustrinelli as head coach
Union Berlin have appointed Mauro Lustrinelli as head coach, the club have confirmed.
The 50-year-old joins from Swiss side FC Thun, and replaces Marie-Louise Eta, who was in charge on an interim basis following Steffen Baumgart's departure, in the dugout.
Upon the announcement, Union managing director Horst Heldt said, "Mauro Lustrinelli has demonstrated in recent years how he can shape and develop teams. Winning the league title with a newly promoted side speaks volumes about his expertise, but also about his ability to lead and inspire a group. Furthermore, his style of play aligns perfectly with our vision. We want to play more proactively, integrate more young players, and achieve success together."
Lustrinelli, meanwhile, said, "I’m really looking forward to the challenge at Union Berlin. Union is a special club with clear values and honest people. I’m highly motivated and excited to embark on a new journey together with the board, the staff, the fans, and of course, the team. With unity, passion, hard work, and courage, we can be successful together.”
Following an international career that included 12 caps for Switzerland, Lustrinelli coached the national team at youth level before joining Thun in 2022. After earning promotion to the Swiss Super League in 2025, he led the side to the title in 2025/26.
Eta, his predecessor, became the first woman to coach and win a Bundesliga game from the sidelines. She will now take charge of the women's team after leading Union's men to an 11th-place finish in the top division.
