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“If that coffee machine was not working properly, I genuinely wouldn’t be surprised to see it on the lawn.”

Brighton chief executive Paul Barber is talking about his charismatic, perfectionist and coveted manager Roberto de Zerbi.

“We have learned what he says externally is a little bit misunderstood. He speaks with his heart on his sleeve.”

Barber does not offer clarity over the De Zerbi’s Brighton future, but he does confirm conversations have always been honest and open.

“Privately, Roberto is quiet, calm, reasonable and sensible,” says Barber. “He understands what our limitations are. Behind the scenes, the model is very well known to him.

“He has got two more years to go. My understanding is that he is happy.

“He knows it is a club that has a particular model and we won’t break it for anyone. Those are consistent. He also knows he can see me or Tony (owner Tony Bloom) at any time. There are no surprises.”

Read more of Barber’s interview with BBC Sport here.