Random Football Thoughts is a new series where I talk about things related to football that aren't long enough to be a post yet I find them important to bring up.

Mourinho: Forever A Teenager

Despite just placing 60 candles on his birthday cake, the actions of Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho remained unchanged, as if he were still the enthusiastic and ambitious young man, seeking more titles that have filled his trophy cabinet. Rome experienced festive days preceding the team's most important match in the last decade, as everyone dreams of a second European title within two years, opening the doors to a new glory, building on their achievements, restoring the local dominance of the wolves, and reclaiming their spot in the UEFA Champions League through the Europa League.

Facing Sevilla, who barely secured the eleventh position in Spain after a tough season, may seem theoretically within reach, with the only bet being the weapon of experience that the Andalusian team gained after winning 6 titles and reigning over the Europa League. Mourinho had to focus heavily on this psychological aspect and set an example himself before the players.

However, those who followed the match witnessed how Mourinho was the cause of the European failure, whether through his tactical transformations during the stages of the game, his emotions that were not limited to the referees or the opposing team's players throughout the match, or his post-match statements venting his anger at the English referee, whom he described as "Spanish," objecting to more than one decision that he considered the direct cause of his team's loss in the penalty shootout.

Roma took the lead when Mourinho attacked and tried to exploit the speed advantage against Sevilla's defense, but the mistake was to think that taking the lead meant the end of the game. He returned to his traditional style of closing the gaps towards his own goal, giving the opponent a chance to possess the ball and move freely in the midfield, looking for opportunities to enhance their lead.

However, on the field, neither the physical condition of his players nor the ammunition he needed to rebuild the team and instill a new spirit supported him, unlike Sevilla, whose coach Lopetegui managed to change the course of the game at the start of the second half with a double substitution that revitalized the team and gave them the extra motivation to continue pressing Mourinho and his team.

The match was highly physical, and English referee Anthony Taylor exerted strong control over the events, issuing 13 yellow cards to players and coaches from both teams. The events on the field did not show any injustice towards Roma, with the presence of VAR technology that saved Mourinho himself from a penalty kick just before the end of the match, which could have clinically ended the game in favor of Sevilla.

In my opinion, Mourinho has not learned from past lessons and is no longer the desired coach for elite European clubs, especially after his two failed experiences with Manchester United and Tottenham, and his relatively successful tenure with Roma, where he is currently considered one of the second-tier clubs in Italy.

What happened a few days ago might make Paris Saint-Germain's management think twice before making a decision about signing him, especially considering the rumors suggesting that the official announcement will be made after the end of the European league.

Tottenham and De Zerbi: Moving Away from the Obvious Choice!

If Tottenham wants a coach who can offer attractive football, win many matches, leave a positive impression on Harry Kane, and gather a fan base, then why are their officials avoiding an extremely obvious choice?

Talks between Tottenham and Arne Slot, the coach of Eredivisie champion Feyenoord, have yielded nothing, and the coach position remains vacant. It's difficult to understand why Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is keeping a distance from Brighton coach Roberto De Zerbi, as the latter is not just a brilliant coach but also possesses the personality to solve the team's problems.

Anyone who has followed De Zerbi's work at Brighton will see that the Italian is an innovative and creative coach who has earned immense praise from Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola, describing him as one of the most influential coaches in recent years. Despite failing to secure Slot's contract and not attempting to reach an agreement with De Zerbi, Tottenham continues to look in the opposite direction. This indicates the club's mentality, which might not see itself as qualified to bring in a coach of such a reputation at the moment.

Money cannot be the issue, as the theoretical cost of hiring De Zerbi is expected to be around £11 million or slightly more, and let's not forget that Tottenham is accustomed to paying four or five times that amount for players.

Levy lacks the enthusiasm that led Guardiola to describe former Shakhtar Donetsk coach Paulo Fonseca as the most impactful coach in the Premier League. It is perhaps unlikely for Tottenham's chairman to consider hiring an Italian coach, given his difficult experience with former coach Antonio Conte, especially since De Zerbi, like Conte, sometimes experiences mood swings.

Another raised reason is that Levy doesn't want to upset the club's staff, as De Zerbi had a confrontation with interim Tottenham coach Christian Stellini, resulting in both men being sent off in the second half.

Nevertheless, not considering the signing of De Zerbi is illogical because he is a coach whose abilities surpass any other negatives in his personality.

It has been over 60 days since Conte lost his job. The mood at Tottenham is fluctuating, with protesters holding banners calling for Levy's departure. It's exactly the opposite atmosphere you would find in Brighton's home games, where De Zerbi leads the supportive chants. However, for unexplained reasons, Levy seems to believe he can find someone better.

Regardless of the identity of Tottenham's new coach next season, the task will be challenging, especially if Harry Kane decides to leave the team. Others may consider joining him due to the absence from European competitions. This is where the need for a talent scout coach like De Zerbi, currently doing so at Brighton, becomes apparent.