Perhaps simmering tensions between the British and Greek governments over the Elgin Marbles helped Roberto De Zerbi find his diplomatic side.
The Brighton boss arrived in Athens for a vital Europa League game against AEK insisting he trusted Premier League referees, little more than a fortnight after saying he does not like 80 per cent of them.
'I believe in the people,' said De Zerbi.
'I believe in the referees. I believe in the behaviour of the people because otherwise I can go to Italy tomorrow. I start with confidence in the referees.