Ebnoutalib Chooses Germany After Klopp's Call

Jurgen Klopp didn’t just win a recruitment battle. He ended it with a single phone call.

Eintracht Frankfurt striker Ebnoutalib has committed his international future to Germany, turning down the chance to represent Morocco after a direct approach from the new national team coach. In a landscape where dual nationals weigh heritage, opportunity, and emotion, Klopp’s voice on the other end of the line proved decisive.

“There were talks with Morocco. But when Jurgen Klopp calls, you can’t say no,” Ebnoutalib said.

From Regionalliga to Die Mannschaft

Two years ago, Ebnoutalib was grinding away in the Regionalliga with FC Giessen, far from the glamour of major tournaments or Nations League nights. Now he stands on the brink of a senior debut for Germany, his rise as sharp as it is unlikely.

His blistering start to the season with Eintracht Frankfurt – four goals already – forced his name into the conversation. Klopp was in the stands and around the training ground recently, and the forward’s form clearly left a mark.

The moment the call came will stay with him. Ebnoutalib was on a sports field on a rare day off when his phone lit up with Klopp’s number. At first, he shrugged it off, assuming it might just be a friendly check-in.

After the conversation, the reality hit.

“After the phone call, tears came to my eyes. I thought about where I was just a few years ago and that it's crazy that all the hard work has paid off,” he said.

Klopp’s Aura, Germany’s New Edge

Ebnoutalib has now joined up with Germany’s camp as part of Klopp’s bold 44-man experimental squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures. The atmosphere, he says, feels charged already.

The forward spoke of the immediate impact the former Liverpool manager has had on the group. Klopp’s track record and personality have created an instant hierarchy, one built on respect and energy rather than fear.

“The impression is very positive,” Ebnoutalib noted. “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.”

On the training pitch, the identity is clear. High pressing. Relentless energy. Power in every phase.

“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,” Ebnoutalib said. “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.”

Germany are building towards a run of Nations League games, including a headline meeting with the Netherlands. For Ebnoutalib, that fixture could be the one that changes everything: a first senior cap, and with it, his international allegiance formally sealed to the DFB.

Between Two Flags

The choice, though, was not a cold calculation. Born to Moroccan heritage and raised in Germany, Ebnoutalib has lived both identities. Morocco did not ignore him; talks took place with national team coach Mohamed Ouahbi, and the door was open.

“I spoke with him, but it wasn't an intensive exchange. I love both countries; they are both my countries of origin. I will definitely continue to support Morocco,” he said.

In the end, the pull of Germany – and of Klopp – proved stronger. The connection felt immediate once the new Die Mannschaft boss reached out, and the path ahead suddenly looked defined.

Now the striker who once battled in the fourth tier stands a game or two away from the international stage, thrown into a giant squad, fighting for minutes, and chasing a debut that would complete one of the more remarkable climbs in recent German football.

The next time his phone lights up, it might not be Klopp calling. It could be the message every player waits for: you’re in the XI.