The Blues took Graham Potter and virtually the entirety of his backroom team earlier this season after owner Todd Boehly sacked Thomas Tuchel as manager.
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Barber made light of the situation, however, and even joked about Chelsea targeting their cleaners.
Barber told Financial Times live: "I am happy to pick up the phone to Chelsea apart from when it's for our coaches. I have told the cleaning staff to be careful, they may be headhunted as well."
It is, of course, easier to see the funny side when the Seagulls seem to have gone from strength to strength since Potter's departure.
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They have unearthed another gem in Roberto De Zerbi and has carried on the fine work of his predecessor.
Brighton are currently eighth in the Premier League and fighting for a place in Europe.
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By contrast, Potter's Chelsea have struggled despite being backed with £323m of signings in the transfer market in January.
The Blues are below Brighton in the table, in 10th, and have just one win in 2023.
The Seagulls thrashed Chelsea 4-1 on Potter's return to the Amex Stadium last October.
Their next meeting in the league will be at Stamford Bridge in April.
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Brighton also may have a fight to keep De Zerbi this summer as talkSPORT understands the club is bracing themselves for interest.