PSG coach Thiago Motta reveals plans to revolutionise football with 2-7-2 formation including goalkeeper in midfield

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PSG coach Thiago Motta reveals plans to revolutionise football with 2-7-2 formation including goalkeeper in midfield

PSG coach and former star player Thiago Motta wants to revolutionise football and introduce a 2-7-2 formation And this means the goalkeeper will play as part of a seven-man midfield.

The maverick Brazilian is currently managing the U19 side at the French club - so has the perfect opportunity to bring in his new tactics.

He says he wants to use a "short team" who can "control the game with high pressure and a lot of movement with and without the ball".

The 36-year-old, who played for both Brazil AND Italy, spoke of his unorthodox plan in an interview with Gazetta dello Sport.

He said: "My idea it to play offensively. A short team that controls the game, high pressure and a lot of movement with and without the ball.

This is how PSG could line up if Thiago Motta managed to get his formation into the big time

"I want the player that has the ball to always have three or four solutions and two teammates close by to help.

"The difficulty in football is, often to do things simply but to control the base, pass and get free.

"I don't like the numbers of the field because they trick you. You can be super offensive with a 5-3-2 and defensive in a 4-3-3.

"Depending on the quality of the guys. I had a game a while ago where the two full-backs ended up playing as the 9 and 10.

"But that doesn't mean I don't like people like Samuel and Chiellini, born defenders."

The ball-playing goalkeeper is becoming popular in the modern game. Manchester City's Ederson is a prime example of someone entirely comfortable playing the role of sweeper-keeper.

But Motta wants to take this even further, and up the pitch.

He added: "The goalkeeper counts as one of the midfield seven. For me, the attacker is the first defender and the goalkeeper is the first attacker.

"The goalkeeper starts the play, with his feet and the attackers are the first to put pressure to recover the ball."

He went on to add that one day he wants the big job at PSG - managing the first team.

When that happens the chances are current No1 Gianluigi Buffon will be long-retired however, so missing out on a midfield role.