Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi insisted he did not know about the past and nor did he want to. That might explain why he had no qualms talking up his players and even questioning if Solly March had ever been on the radar of clubs who play in Europe.
After coming up against Chelsea — who raided Brighton during the summer — it could not go unnoticed that De Zerbi happily drew attention to more of their prized assets.
In fairness, De Zerbi was not short of options for praise following this thrilling thrashing of Chelsea.
The Italian hailed left back Pervis Estupinan's 'big potential', before adding: 'He can become a great player for us but also for the Europe market.'
De Zerbi handed summer signing Julio Enciso his Premier League debut and then likened him to one of the most exciting young talents in European football.
'Last year I had Mykhaylo Mudryk (at Shakhtar Donetsk) and in one year he became a great player,' De Zerbi said. 'Enciso has talent, the right quality to become a big player.'
De Zerbi also lauded goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, in-form Leandro Trossard, Danny Welbeck, Lewis Dunk, Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo.
But he reserved his biggest praise for March, saying: 'The people in football don't know March — really 100 per cent about his quality and potential skills.
'I don't know if during his career clubs playing in Europe were asking for his performances but he has 100 per cent the quality to play in the Champions League.'