Younes Ben Taleb picks Germany after Jurgen Klopp call

Eintracht Frankfurt forward Younes Ben Taleb has chosen to represent Germany rather than Morocco internationally, saying he could not turn down the opportunity after receiving a call from new Germany manager Jurgen Klopp.

The 23-year-old was included in the Germany squad announced by Klopp on Thursday, despite having held discussions with the Moroccan national team.

“Choosing Germany instead of Morocco? There were negotiations with Morocco, but when Jurgen Klopp calls you, you cannot say no,” Ben Taleb told Sky Sport Germany.

Ben Taleb had been monitored by Morocco for several years, with head coach Mohammed Wahbi confirming that the player had been considered for the national team.

“We have followed Younes since last season, and he has been among the players we have been watching for around three years,” Wahbi told reporters on Thursday.

The Morocco coach said Ben Taleb had considerable ability but that injuries had affected the early part of his career and made it difficult for him to be considered for the World Cup.

“Ben Taleb has important qualities, but injuries affected the beginning of his career. With his injury, it was difficult to see him at the World Cup,” Wahbi said.

He added that Ben Taleb’s limited playing time during the first part of the season had initially worked against his chances of being selected by Morocco, although his form had improved more recently.

“In the first months, he was not playing enough to join the national team, but he improved this season and made a good start, so it was natural for us to continue monitoring him,” said Wahbi.

Wahbi also revealed that he had spoken directly to Ben Taleb about Morocco’s plans, while making clear that the player had not been guaranteed a place in the squad.

“I spoke to Younes on the phone and encouraged him to think about the Moroccan national team project, but I did not promise him anything. The final decision was his personal choice,” he said.

Morocco reaction

Wahbi insisted Morocco should not need to persuade players to represent the country, arguing that they must be convinced by the national team’s project themselves.

“The Moroccan national team does not need to convince players by any means. The player must believe in the project. Younes chose the path he felt was most suitable for him,” he said.

The coach said he had intended to select Ben Taleb for Morocco’s September training camp, but accepted the player’s decision to join Germany.

“I will not hide the fact that I would have included him in the squad for this month’s September camp, but he chose Germany. I wish him success,” Wahbi added.

Ben Taleb has scored four goals in four matches for Eintracht Frankfurt this season.