Brentford star rejected Arne Slot request as he went home from Liverpool crying

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At just 17 years old, he was consumed by isolation, and his mental well-being suffered to the extent that he didn't want to attend training, even remembering crying on his journey home at times.READ MORE: Alisson stance on Liverpool future amid new twist in Juventus transfer claimsREAD MORE: Florian Wirtz defends Mohamed Salah after Liverpool statement slammed by Jamie CarragherHe regained his confidence through several loan moves, including stints at Preston, Schalke and Mainz, during which he faced obstacles such as injuries and relegation.Van den Berg was given a second opportunity at Anfield in the summer of 2024 following Slot's appointment as manager.The Reds boss originates from the same town and, remarkably, his first role had been with the PEC Zwolle U13s, where Van Den Berg played under him.Van den Berg is now playing for Brentford(Image: Getty Images)The 24-year-old remembered Slot addressing him as though he had prospects under the incoming manager; however, by that stage, he had emotionally disengaged and was prepared to depart Liverpool.Van den Berg said: "It was a little bit awkward. It was just funny... coming from the same hometown, he'd coached me when I was a kid, and now he's the guy at Liverpool."He was just like, 'How's your off-season been?

Are you ready for pre-season?' I said, 'Yes, of course.' But in my own head, I was thinking, 'Yeah, I'm ready, but hopefully I'm not even coming back for pre-season,' because I wanted to leave."The defender penned a five-year contract with Brentford in August 2024. I wasn't in the headspace you are supposed to be in."I had no confidence, and that really affected me as a footballer.

I was just constantly doubting myself, like I was not good enough. Then, you know you are really down low."Van den Berg added: "On the other hand, I did learn a lot from the situation.