End of an era for ageing Milan side

(CNN) -- Although no team has ever retained their UEFA Champions League title, the manner of holders' AC Milan's demise against a rampant young Arsenal side this week will surely have far reaching implications for the 'Rossoneri' and their coach Carlo Ancelotti.

This season's competition was seen as Milan's final salvation in what has been a bitterly disappointing campaign so far.

Following a poor start to their Serie A season, not helped by a fixture back-log which has seen them playing catch-up with their rivals, Milan went into Tuesday's San Siro clash a massive 18 points behind city rivals Inter in their domestic table.

Second-placed Roma (12 points) are also out of reach, meaning Juventus (five points) and Fiorentina (four points) are the rabbits to chase in order for Milan to claim fourth place and Champions League qualification for next season.

But even if this goal is achieved, and on current form that has to remain a big 'if', it will only paper over the cracks that were brutally exposed by the pace, power and athleticism of Arsene Wenger's young guns.

The legend that is Paolo Maldini will retire this year just shy of his 40th birthday, while fellow-defenders Alessandro Nesta (32 this month), Massimo Oddo (31) and Kakha Kaladze (30), although retaining their quality, are all suspect against quick young legs.

Taking into account that Milan's other defenders include Brazilian superstar Cafu (37), compatriot Serginho (36), Giuseppe Favalli (36), Dario Simic (32) and Marek Jankulovski (30), then it's easy to see that a major squad overhaul needs to be undertaken.

And that pattern is repeated throughout the side. Australian goalkeeper Zeljko Kalac looked every inch his 35 years in his attempt to save Cesc Fabregas' long-range strike, while regular first choice keeper Dida is 34. Third choice Valerio Fiori will be 39 in April.

Midfield appears to be Milan's strongest area and although players of the caliber of Gennaro Gattuso (30), Andrea Pirlo (29 in May), Clarence Seedorf (32 next month), Massimo Ambrosini (30), Emerson (32 next month) and Cristian Brocchi (32) are by no means over-the-hill, the fact remains that the energy, work-rate and skill displayed by the much-younger Fabregas and Matthieu Flamini in the center of Arsenal's midfield on Tuesday exposed the Milan engine-room as being pedestrian and plodding.

Milan's problems continue in attack. The unfortunate Ronaldo is 31 and highly-unlikely to return to his peak after his recent knee inury, while goal poacher Filippo Inzaghi will be 35 this year and does not possess the pace to trouble Europe's top defences.

Alberto Gilardino is the perfect age at just 25, yet the Italian international has failed to hit the heights that he consistently showed with Parma and is rumoured to be unsettled with life in Milan.

Of course, Milan do possess attacking genius in the shape of World Player of the Year Kaka and his fellow-Brazilian Pato.

Kaka recently signed a new contract and loves Milanese life, constantly hinting he is happy to see out his career with the club, while teenager Pato has impressed in his first season with the club. These two will be at the heart of the side for years to come.

But with such a squad overhaul obviously needed, the feeling among observers is that Ancelotti is unlikely to be at the club next season, even if he guides them to fourth place.

Rumors persist that former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is waiting in the wings to take over the Rossoneri -- and his non-nonsense approach to buying and selling players could be just the tonic this ailing great club needs.

Should Mourinho arrive, do not be surprised if Chelsea striker Didier Drogba also makes the switch (although the London club would love to send misfit Andrei Shevchenko back to the San Siro instead).

Despite turning 30 this month, Drogba still possesses the pace and power that Milan are sadly lacking at the moment.

That deficiency was highlighted in no uncertain fashion against Arsenal and whoever is in charge of Milan next season, expect to see a much-younger looking side taking to the field. E-mail to a friend