​SEVILLA, SPAIN – OCTOBER 13: Coach Jose Mourinho of AS Romacoach Manuel Pellegrini of Real Betis during the UEFA Europa League match between Real Betis Sevilla v AS Roma at the Estadio Benito Villamarin on October 13, 2022 in Sevilla Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images) | Getty Images Welcome to The Daily Merengue — a place where you can feel free to discuss all things football. Do not be alarmed by the overt RMCF bias. It’s in the name!Shoutout to the Mods who do a fantastic job, Valyrian Steel, Ezek XI, KungFuZizou, NeRObutBlanco, Felipejack, and Juninho.Writer’s Prelude. The Jose Juninho Era will continue. Jose Juninho — Betis Match Edition“All clubs lose. Nobody stays undefeated. Today you win, tomorrow you lose, this is football.“ — Jose MourinhoView LinkA Quick Disclaimer + Recap. Alright…so we lost against Betis (away) a matchup we haven’t won since 2021. Normally, I was prepared to be pretty calm about a draw or loss given our history at the Benito Villamarin, but today truly does feel like a failure by the squad. Anyway before diving in, I just want to note a few disclaimers: 1) this is being written like 5 mins after the game. I haven’t had time to review many highlights or even see Mourinho’s presser. I’m choosing not to read the Immediate Reaction thread so in many ways this is Juninho’s Immediate Reaction. 2) I will admit I missed a portion of the 2nd half specifically after the 65-70th min. I watched loosely but wasn’t able to watch closely due to irl matters. 3) It’s still early season. A lot can or cannot change. I’m not going to go panic mode or overreact because yeah there’s no point. Also, it’s just better for everyone’s mental health to not allow Real Madrid’s circus to ruin your day / week / month / season. I suggest we all watch Como / Chelsea / Fulham / non-madrid Betis matches for refreshers. Quickly Things I liked. I’m only sticking on the things I like quickly because I feel like I’ll have much more to say on the negative spin which is unfortunate. For the first half and to be honest for portions of the second half, I thought the team as a whole performed admirably well (besides the two highest paid players on the squad). First, Dean Huijsen has looked amazing in this season. Whether he’s being asked to press high, sit deeper, or dictate play, Dean has answered about every call. Dean continued his great form this game with imo a passionate performance first half even to the point where he clearly called Antony a son of a [beep]. The chill guy is no longer here. This Dean has been possessed with the ethos of #4.Dean Huijsen has been impressive with those close markings he gives attackers. I have a feeling Mourinho has something to do with that because he didn’t use to do that before now.— Ken (@K3N3_X) September 4, 2026Second, and I’m only typing this portion right now to give this next statement a bit of space because it needs to be boldened and