Marco Silva has warned that Fulham are 'not ready' for the Premier League season.
The recently promoted Cottagers face Liverpool at Craven Cottage in the opening game on Saturday.
But Silva insists his squad can compete without five or six new signings, including two central defenders.
When asked if Fulham are ready for the new season, Silva told West London Sport: "These players, they are ready for the Premier League.
"The players that we have right now, I congratulate them for the work they have been doing.
"We, as a squad, we are not ready. These players, they are ready.
"I have to tell you, and I don't want to speak for too much time about the situation, I want to be clear with you; now we have 16 senior players in our squad. No-one competes at this level with 16 senior players in your squad.
"I will tell you one more. No-one can prepare for one season with just two central defenders. We have two central defenders at this level.
"I can continue, and I will not stop, but I don't want to talk more about it. I'm talking because you ask me.
"I'm really happy with this group of players that we have. But everyone that understands football can see we need at least five or six more players.
"That is clear, if you really want to be competitive. These players need help to be competitive in the training sessions every single day.
"We cannot be five weeks into the pre-season with two central defenders. We can't be competitive in this situation and I can talk more positions as well but this will not help at all."