The final score stood at 5–1.
This was Sampdoria's heaviest defeat since entering the 1990s.
However, Eriksson appeared fairly composed at the post-match press conference.
Perhaps the Swedish coach knew that Sampdoria's fans could understand this sort of thing.
Sacchi was in high spirits. Since the Super Cup, Milan had maintained a perfect winning record.
That was until a reporter asked a question he did not like.
"Arrigo, why does Dejan come off early in every match? Didn't you say your team had only players, not stars?" a reporter asked.
Sacchi's face darkened as he cursed inwardly.
No matter how strict a factory manager was, he could not manage the chairman of the board.
Sacchi did not think he had done anything wrong. It was a matter of respect for the club owner.
Mutual respect was the only way to create a good working environment.
That was how it was, but he could not put it that way, or would that not make Arrigo Sacchi look like a complete suck-up?
Sacchi pulled the microphone closer and said, "As a coach, I have the right to make adjustments to my lineup. Even Ferguson did not let Dejan play a full match whenever he used him."
"But Ferguson hands Dejan a water bottle and towel at halftime. That is blatant privilege," a reporter pointed out.
Sacchi wanted to say that he would never do such a thing.
But on second thought, that would not be ideal.
Never mind whether it would offend Ferguson; it was also inappropriate to label Dejan Lu as someone enjoying special privileges.
Sacchi cleared his throat and said, "That is why we are coaches, why we are champions, while you can only smear champions in newspapers. This is not privilege. It is a reward, a commendation! Coaches need