Skipper Luka Milivojevic says he must keep his true thoughts on Crystal Palace’s transfer business to himself.
Palace have lost star defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka to Manchester United and failed to bring in a replacement.
While new boys Victor Camarasa, James McCarthy and Jordan Ayew plus third-choice keeper Stephen Henderson have failed to ignite any enthusiasm among the Eagles supporters.
Milivojevic, who is Palace’s top scorer for the last two seasons, did not want to speak out against the club hierarchy but hinted at his disappointment.
“For me as the captain of the team, it’s very hard for me to give a comment about it,” he told the BBC. “Yes of course, I have my opinion. But it is hard to say in public my opinion honestly, because that is something for the people of the club.
“That’s their job, their responsibility. I’m a player in the team and I try to do my best with the players that we have. We need to care about ourselves.”
Milivojevic was upset Palace lost Wan-Bissaka but is thrilled that wantaway winger Wilfried Zaha is staying at Selhurst Park despite bids from Everton and Arsenal.
“We just sold a right back from last season, who nearly saved the team,” he added. “I’m so happy to see Wilfried is back and let’s say 97 to 98 per cent of the players from last season are here. And I hope very soon when we are all fit, we will not have a problem in the season.”