"We can’t be competitive" - Marco Silva ahead of Liverpool clash

Fulham boss Marco Silva has claimed that his squad are not ready for the 2022-23 Premier League campaign.

Liverpool will face Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday to kickstart their top-flight season.

However, Silva's latest comments do suggest that the Reds are heavy favourites heading into the match.

“These players, they are ready for the Premier League," he told West London Sport, as quoted by the Liverpool Echo.

“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.”

Anfield Watch Verdict

Regardless of Silva's comments, we fully expect Liverpool to secure the three points at Craven Cottage.

The reality is, the Reds finished one-point behind champions Manchester City last season.

Fulham have just been promoted to the Premier League. Therefore, there is clearly a gulf in class between the two sides at this current moment.

But, it is well known that there is no easy fixture in the Premier League. So, Liverpool can't be taking anything for granted.

Manchester City on the other hand will face West Ham United at the Olympic Stadium this weekend. The title race should be an intriguing watch.