Eintracht Frankfurt forward Younes Ebnoutalib has revealed that a direct intervention from Jurgen Klopp was the decisive factor in his choice to represent Germany over Morocco. The 23-year-old stated, "When he calls, you can’t say no," referring to the former Liverpool manager’s influential role in his international decision.
Klopp’s Direct Impact on Ebnoutalib’s International Future
Ebnoutalib, who had previously represented Morocco at youth level, admitted that talks with the Moroccan Football Federation "weren’t as intense as with Jurgen" [Source 1]. He expressed immense pride in his decision, describing Klopp as "one of the best coaches in the world" and acknowledging the difficulty of declining a call from such an esteemed figure.
The striker’s emotional reaction upon receiving Klopp’s call underscored the significance of the moment, particularly given his rapid ascent from playing in the Regionalliga just two years prior, according to Goal.com [Source 2]. Afrik-Foot further highlighted that Klopp’s personal intervention "weighed very heavily" on Ebnoutalib’s decision, especially for a player born and raised in Germany [Source 3]. While Ebnoutalib confirmed discussions with Morocco, the opportunity to play under Klopp’s tutelage proved to be the ultimate tie-breaker.
Klopp’s Charisma and Managerial Style
Ebnoutalib praised the "very positive" impression Klopp made, noting his "great deal of experience and already has a certain presence because of what he has achieved over the years." He added that he found Klopp "very nice and very likeable in the conversations" [Source 1].
Klopp’s well-known football philosophy, characterised by "high pressing, with a lot of energy and power," has already had a significant impact on the Germany squad. Ebnoutalib stated that Klopp "has already fired us up" and "got us in the right mindset" [Source 2]. Freiburg defender Philipp Treu, another player in Klopp’s squad, also expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "it’s cool that I can now train under Jurgen Klopp" [Source 1].
Ebnoutalib’s Ascent and Germany Call-Up
Ebnoutalib joined Eintracht Frankfurt from Elversberg in a €10m deal in January and has made a superb start to the current season, scoring four goals in as many Bundesliga games. Only a handful of players, including Patrik Schick and Michael Olise, can match this tally. Ebnoutalib has impressively scored with all but one of his shots on target and is overperforming his expected goals (xG) figure of 2.85 [Source 1].
This impressive club form led to his inclusion in Klopp’s larger, 44-man squad for his first international break as Germany manager. The squad includes 16 uncapped players, reflecting Klopp’s aim to familiarise himself with as many talents as possible. Germany is preparing to face the Netherlands in their Nations League opener, followed by two matches against Greece and a home clash with Serbia [Source 1].
Klopp’s Enduring Managerial Legacy
Klopp’s influence stems from a career spanning 1,080 matches, with 588 victories, 256 draws, and 236 losses. His 431 games in charge of Liverpool are the third-most by a manager in the club’s history, behind Bill Shankly’s 799 and Bob Paisley’s 523. Furthermore, Klopp’s 334 Premier League games with the Reds, where he famously secured the title in 2019-20, rank as the fifth-most with a single club in the competition’s history [Source 1].
FAQ
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Why did Younes Ebnoutalib choose to represent Germany over Morocco?
Younes Ebnoutalib chose Germany primarily because of a personal and intense call from Jurgen Klopp, stating, "When he calls, you can’t say no."
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What was Jurgen Klopp’s role in Ebnoutalib’s decision?
Jurgen Klopp’s direct and personal communication, coupled with his reputation as "one of the best coaches in the world," made his discussions with Ebnoutalib more impactful than those with Morocco, swaying the player’s choice.
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How has Younes Ebnoutalib performed for Eintracht Frankfurt this season?
Younes Ebnoutalib has made a superb start to the season with Eintracht Frankfurt, scoring four goals in as many Bundesliga games and overperforming his expected goals (xG) figure.
Sources