New fears for Milan old guard

Defensive power
That was the case in the late 1980s and early 1990s when Mauro Tassotti, Franco Baresi, Alessandro Costacurta and Paolo Maldini formed one of the best back lines in the world, and it is the same today with Cafu, Jaap Stam, Alessandro Nesta and the eternal Maldini.

PSV problems
However, for the first time in many years, the doubts raised ahead of Milan's latest UEFA Champions League campaign have concerned their defence. Such worries were first voiced after the semi-final of last season's competition against PSV Eindhoven.

Away goal
Milan had conceded the grand total of three goals in eleven games as they went to the Philips stadium to defend a 2-0 first-leg lead against the Dutch side. The Rossoneri, however, barely survived the trip: Massimo Ambrosini's crucial late away goal sending them through in a 3-3 aggregate draw.

Istanbul calamity
Despite this, few believed Milan could concede three times against Liverpool FC after the first 45 minutes of the Champions League final in Istanbul, a goal from Maldini and two from Hernán Crespo having put them 3-0 up. But it took six minutes for Liverpool to level before winning the match on penalties.

Set-piece goals
The shockwaves from that defeat seem to have carried into the new Serie A season. So far the Rossoneri have drawn 1-1 at Ascoli Calcio 1898 and won 3-1 at home to AC Siena, but both the goals shipped were from set-pieces - something they often struggled to defend last term.

Paying attention
Nonetheless, coach Carlo Ancelotti does not sound particularly worried. "The most important factor in defending set-pieces is concentration," he said. "I don't think it's a matter of tactics, it's just paying more attention.

'It's normal'
"Obviously, it's impossible to avoid conceding any goals from set-pieces," he added. "Last season [FC] Internazionale [Milano] and Juventus [FC] were both eliminated from the Champions League by conceding from set-pieces. It's normal. We just have to pay more attention."

Different options
Ancelotti has also hinted that Milan could try a different defensive system. "During the summer we tried to defend with three men," he said. "It can be a useful option." Maldini agreed. "Why not?" he said. "It's important for a player to add different tactical options to his footballing knowledge."

Ageing back-line
Many observers, though, are convinced the main problem could be age rather than tactics. Only the 29-year-old Nesta is under 30, while Maldini is 37, Stam 33 and Cafu 35. Moreover, Maldini is struggling with knee problems after more than 20 years in the game.

Knee pressure
"I will have to check my physical condition before every game," the captain admitted. "I don't know if I can play every third day like I did last year. Obviously we all know that the older you get, the harder you have to work to be in top physical condition. But we are all ready to work hard."

Performance counts
However, Maldini is sure the best days are not behind him and his defensive partners. "What happens on the pitch will tell whether we can still help Milan achieve results or if we are ready to retire," he said. "In football, words don't count, only results are important."

First test
Hopefully, those words will not come back to haunt him as Milan take on Fenerbahçe SK tonight.