JOSE MOURINHO has revealed what he believes to be football's next "genius" innovation - playing with no goalkeepers.
The role of goalkeepers has transformed from that of a simple shot stopper to that of an 11th outfield player over the last two decades.
The likes of Manuel Neuer were pioneers in the form, with modern goalies such as Manchester City's Ederson and Manchester United's Andre Onana among the prime examples.
Indeed, Onana took a number of touches outside of the Man Utd penalty box against in yesterday's FA Cup semi-final and even got as far up as the centre circle.
However, the next development of the position could soon see an outfield player inherit the role late in games - rules would mean they will still need to wear the goalkeeper shirt, but gloves would be optional.
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At least, that is what three-time Premier League winner Mourinho believes.
In an interview with The Telegraph, the former Chelsea, Man Utd and Tottenham boss hypothesised that a leading manager would soon make the step to substitute their goalkeeper for an outfield player when chasing a game late on.
The 61-year-old said: "Why do you play with a goalkeeper, even if he is good with his feet, almost in the midfield, if you can do that with a proper player? I can see that substitution happening.
"And the coach who does it will be considered a genius."
He even suggested he would try it himself, saying: "To have an extra player there … when the opposition is very low in the block and 10 minutes left? Let’s try it – yeah!"
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Another change Mourinho has highlighted is the rise of central defenders in wide defensive positions.
The Portuguese said: "Look to Manchester City, look to Arsenal - just to give two examples.
"How many central defenders do they have in the team? Sometimes they have six.
"As a matter of principle. Then they play in other positions.
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"They play right-back, left-back, they play midfield.
"But they play with five or six central defenders on the pitch. Why? If I am a journalist I would ask the manager."
He continued: "They feel the need for defensive stability and a defensive compactness."
“The way to look at it is thinking how many Champions League years Man City were not successful and the difference in the season they were successful.
"And I go immediately in one direction – look at the physicality."
Referring initially to Barcelona's Champions League quarter final with PSG last week, he said: “Lots of long balls from [Marc] Ter Stegen to [Robert] Lewandowski on the build-up.
"Paris trying to press higher, Ter Stegen to Lewandowski, Lewandowski chest, control and play from that position.
"I won a Europa League final with [long balls from] Sergio Romero to Marouane Fellaini.
"Ajax pressing – but pressing oxygen because the ball was not there.
"Ball to Fellaini’s chest. Play from there. Two-nil. Bring the cup home. Three titles. Disaster of a season."
Mourinho was sacked from his most recent job at Roma in January and has been linked with various positions including roles in Saudi Arabia.
