The Rossoneri's veteran defender was unhappy that Milan failed to deal with Bologna's counter attacks to suffer a 1-0 defeat in the Serie A opener.

"Balance has to be found between players, systems and even the level of form on any given day," Maldini was quoted as saying by Calcio Italia on Friday.

"It’s not easy to play that many attacking players and I think that is the biggest problem for our Coach.

"It all depends on how the game develops. If you can take the lead, then it all changes and for a forward-thinking side like ours it leaves extra space to run into."

Milan signed two attacking-minded players in Brazilian playmaker Ronaldinho and Ukrainian striker Andriy Shevchenko.

They also recalled 26-year-old striker Marco Borriello after his loan spell at Genoa ended.

"Those who join this team must accept competition," former Italy defender Maldini said.

"This side has been at the top of its sport for 20 years now and a player has many advantages playing for Milan, but also this disadvantage of fighting for places."