In an exclusive interview, Brentford central defender Vanden Berg talked about his difficult time at Liverpool, how new coach Slott persuaded him to stay with the team, and why he finally chose to join Brentford. Q: When you decided to leave Liverpo...
In an exclusive interview, Brentford central defender Vanden Berg talked about his difficult time at Liverpool, how new coach Slott persuaded him to stay with the team, and why he finally chose to join Brentford.
Q: When you decided to leave Liverpool in the summer of 2024, did you hear that there was an interesting encounter with Slaughter in your hometown of Zwolle?
Van den Berg: I'm a little surprised. Maybe a little embarrassing. It's really interesting... coming from the same hometown, he coached me as a kid and now he's the manager of Liverpool. He was like, "How was your offseason? Are you practicing? Are you ready for preseason?" I was like, "Yeah, sure." But in the back of my mind, I was like, "Yeah, I'm ready, but hopefully I won't even go back for preseason," because I wanted to leave.
Q: It seems that your experience in Liverpool was not pleasant, but how important was your loan experience at Preston?
Van den Berg: "Life-saving" is such a strong word, but Preston made me open my heart again. I just enjoy playing and feeling important; feeling useful... let me put it that way.
Q: Your loan experience in Mainz was also very successful, but I heard that the hierarchy there is very strict?
Van den Berg: I played every game in Mainz, but I was still only 20 or 21 years old, so before every training, I had to check the air pressure of the ball. If the air pressure was wrong, I had to inflate the ball myself, together with two other young players. I have to bring the ball and vest with me to every practice. After every practice, I have to bring the ball and vest back. Just because you're the youngest player.
Q: Although you wanted to leave, Slaughter convinced you to participate in the preseason. He seemed to want you to stay?
Van den Berg: That's completely different. I never had the feeling in previous years that I was getting a real chance. A few weeks later, Slott said: "You're doing really well. I hope you stay." When Liverpool's manager says that, it's no small thing. So of course I started thinking again. "Maybe I should stay, maybe I should sign a new contract here." It's strange.
Q: What was your communication with Slot like?
Van den Berg: He is very candid and easy to communicate with. We are both Dutch so we are very direct. I like this. He told me: "You won't start (immediately), but I believe if you stay, you will have the opportunity to start in the future."
Q: You finally chose Brentford. Is the environment here different?
Vanden Berg: Because the training building is small, you can see everyone. You see technical directors almost every day. After every home game, you see owner Matthew Benham come into the locker room and shake your hand.
Q: Brentford is known for its data analysis and strict "no assholes" policy. How did you fit in?
Van den Berg: The main reason they signed me was because my statistics were very good, especially when I was at Mainz. Like they've said many times - we don't sign assholes. I'm used to joining new clubs and meeting new people, but coming here has definitely been one of the easiest. I love everyone in this building.
Q: You live alone in London. I heard that you have a good relationship with Anna West, the club’s sleep consultant?
Van den Berg: My girlfriend Bente is at university in Amsterdam and my family is in Zwolle, so I live alone. It feels good to have someone like Anna with whom I can talk in person. I find this very helpful.
Q: Looking back on your early experience at Liverpool, you seem to have had a very difficult time?
Vanden Berg: It was definitely a dark time. As a 17-year-old boy from a different country, you are not a priority. There were times when I would come home and cry and not talk to anyone. Can you call it depression? I think this word is a bit too strong. But I felt bad at the time. I wasn’t in the mental state I should be. I had no confidence and that really affected me as a footballer. I just kept doubting myself, like I wasn't good enough. I don’t want to go to training and that’s not who I am. That's when you know you've really hit rock bottom.
Q: What do you think clubs and parents can learn from your experience?
Van den Berg: Looking back, if someone could have taken care of me as a young player, it would definitely have helped me. To the young kids who are going abroad, to the big clubs, I would say to the parents: "Be careful. Make sure everything is OK." I have lovely parents and my mom video calls me every day, but she still doesn't understand 100% how I feel. For the club, it is absolutely necessary to pay more attention to those young players.
Q: Has this experience made you stronger?
Van den Berg: On the other hand, I did learn a lot from that situation. It made me who I am today. The same thing happened with my injury at Schalke, it makes you stronger. You learn a lot because you go into such a dark space. It feels like your whole world is falling apart in front of you because football is your world. Fortunately, I survived.
