Roberto De Zerbi says Tony Bloom has given him freedom to manage his Albion squad the way he wants.

The head coach has thanked his owner, who in turn has hailed the Italian as the perfect man for the job.

De Zerbi revealed: “I had two strong situations in the dressing room and I decided in my way and Tony never said anything to me.

“I love the freedom and for that I have to say thanks.”

Bloom told Sky Sports Albion got the right man when Graham Potter left early in the campaign.

He said: “The season started really well and then we got the phone call and Graham left soon after “It was a difficult situation for the club.

“We are always prepared for a potential future head coach but you never know, particularly in the early part of the season or middle of the season, what may come when we hire a new head coach.

“Fortunately we hired the perfect man for the job and he has come and been a breath of fresh air.

“The players play for him so magnificently.

“His motivational skills, tactical skills and getting improvements out of our players has been absolutely superb.”