Sepp van den Berg has lifted the lid on a revealing conversation with Arne Slot before leaving Liverpool last summer — and it turns out the Dutch boss wanted him to stay.
Now starring for Brentford, the 23-year-old centre-back said Slot believed he could eventually earn a starting role at Anfield if he stayed patient. The The Guardian report ahead of Saturday’s clash between the two clubs, Van den Berg explained that Slot’s message made him think twice about moving on, but regular football ultimately proved too tempting to ignore.
Liverpool, who return to Premier League action at the Gtech Community Stadium on 25 October 2025, are fresh off a morale-boosting 5-1 Champions League win over Eintracht Frankfurt. Yet defensive frailties remain — the Reds have already conceded 11 goals in the league this season — something that makes Van den Berg’s departure look even more significant in hindsight.
Could Slot’s lost understudy have been the steady presence Liverpool now need?
Van den Berg opens up on Arne Slot’s plea
“He was saying: ‘You’re doing very well. I want you to stay. You’re not going to start, but I believe if you stay you will get a chance in the future to start.’” — Sepp van den Berg, via The Guardian
Van den Berg revealed that his discussions with Slot came late in the transfer window, at a time when he had finally begun to feel valued at Liverpool. But with established defenders ahead of him in the pecking order, the Dutchman made the call to join Brentford in search of consistency and growth.
It’s proven a wise move so far — the former Mainz loanee has started all eight of Brentford’s league fixtures, quickly becoming a key part of Keith Andrews’s back line.
Liverpool’s defensive dilemma under Slot
Liverpool entered the season as reigning champions and title favourites after adding Ekitike, Wirtz and Alexander Isak to their attack, but the goals conceded column tells a different story. Slot’s men have looked vulnerable in transition, with injuries forcing frequent defensive reshuffles.
Van den Berg’s calm presence, aerial strength and reading of the game could have provided valuable cover. Now, he’ll line up directly against the team that let him go — and perhaps remind them of what they’re missing.
| Stat (2025/26) | Sepp van den Berg |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 10 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Tackles per game | 0.4 |
| Clearances per game | 6.4 |
source: Sofascore match data – 24 October 2025
Those numbers underline his growing maturity — a defender who’s not just holding his own, but thriving in a Premier League system that demands composure and aggression in equal measure.
Our View: Right move for player, wrong timing for Liverpool
In our view, Van den Berg’s decision to leave was smart for his development — but unlucky timing for Liverpool. Slot’s rebuild could have used a young, athletic centre-back who already knew the club’s culture.
For Brentford, though, it’s a coup. The Dutchman has slotted in seamlessly alongside Collins, giving the Bees greater defensive balance. If he continues on this trajectory, it wouldn’t be surprising to see top-six clubs circling again soon — maybe even Liverpool themselves.
Key Insights
- Sepp van den Berg revealed Arne Slot urged him to stay at Liverpool before joining Brentford.
- The Dutch defender wanted guaranteed first-team minutes and has started all eight league games.
- Liverpool have conceded 11 Premier League goals this season despite attacking reinforcements.
- Slot’s defensive issues may highlight what the Reds lost by letting Van den Berg go.
- Brentford host Liverpool at the Gtech Community Stadium on 25 October 2025.
What’s Next for Liverpool and Brentford
Liverpool will travel to west London hoping to build on their midweek momentum. Brentford, meanwhile, aim to extend their unbeaten home run with Van den Berg likely central to that effort.
If the Dutchman can keep Hugo Ekitike quiet, it could mark his true arrival as a Premier League mainstay — and a subtle reminder to Slot of what might have been.
👉 Did Liverpool make a mistake letting Sepp van den Berg go, or was it the right call for his career?
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