Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino needs to be told hard truths, even when he does not like them, head coach Neil Redfearn believes.
Cellino appointed Redfearn at Elland Road after sacking two managers this season, in the form of David Hockaday and Darko Milanic, convincing the former academy chief to take up the role in the dugout.
Redfearn has developed a good relationship with Cellino and admits that having been deprived of the chance to touch base with the Italian since his Football League ban has been strange.
Nevertheless, Redfearn has given an insight into his relationship with Cellino and insisted he will never be a yes man for the Italian businessman, telling him the situation as it is, whether he likes it or not.
The head coach explained to BBC Radio Leeds: "I couldn't comment on the relationships between [Cellino and Hockaday and Milanic]. I wasn't really party to what was said between Dave and Darko, but where I am and how I speak to him, he takes it as he takes it and is the same back; he needs to know if something is happening or something isn't quite right.
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"He needs an honest answer, he needs an honest opinion because if I just say the things he wants to hear then that isn't going to help him.
"He needs to hear the things that are going to make things work. Sometimes he likes it and sometimes he doesn't, but he's still got to hear it, it's got to be the truth", Redfearn added, before expanding on his conversations with Cellino and the nuggets of wisdom he offers.
"It is [strange not having him around] because he rings me up at random times – before the ban obviously.
"He just wants to talk about football and players, and his experience of things. And I have to say he has been helpful that way and quite understanding in other things, like the young players developing.
"I remember coming home on the trip against Ipswich and we'd just got done 4-1 and the phone went and I got talking to him. He said 'you need to learn to be human, you're going to get beat, you're not going to win every game'.
"Just these little things he'll have every now and again, little pearls that come out", Redfearn added.
Cellino is currently on a Football League ban which means he has had to step back from running Leeds. The Italian could return to the club in May, but may well continue his absence to fight a Football League rule.
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