“When Jürgen Klopp calls, you can’t say no” – Eintracht Frankfurt forward on choosing Germany over Morocco

Younes Ebnoutalib has confirmed that he was in talks with the Moroccan Football Federation but ultimately opted to represent Germany after receiving a call from Jürgen Klopp.

Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Jürgen Klopp has included several new faces in his extended 44-man squad for Germany’s four upcoming UEFA Nations League matches.

One of them is Younes Ebnoutalib, who was convinced to choose Germany over Morocco after receiving a call from the 59-year-old former Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool coach.

“There were talks with Morocco. But when Jürgen Klopp calls, you can’t say no,” Ebnoutalib told German media on Tuesday.

Klopp gave his first speech to the players on Monday and has left striker with a strong first impression.

“The impression is very positive. He is, of course, someone who brings a great deal of experience and already has a certain presence because of what he has achieved over the years. So, naturally, you have a great deal of respect for him. But he was very nice and very likeable in the conversations,” Ebnoutalib said, according to Bild.

“He is already very well known for the way he wants to play football. With high pressing, with a lot of energy and power. He has already fired us up. I think that’s what he is known for, that he is very good at reaching people and getting them on board. He has certainly got us in the right mindset.”

The 23-year-old will be hoping to make his Germany debut against the Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League on Thursday.