Hull City midfielder David Meyler has claimed that his side will be lucky to avoid relegation back to the Championship.
The newly-promoted Premier League outfit have endured a difficult off-season as they lost manager Steve Bruce, failed to sign any players, and sold key midfielder Mohamed Diame to Newcastle United.
There is also tension between the Allam family, who run the club, and Tigers fans, who are planning a protest against the owners on the first day of the season.
Meyler told the Hull Daily Mail: "Things have happened but we move on, that's all we can do as players. We're trying to just focus on staying in the Premier League. What happens off the field we can't affect.
"We want to give this season a hell of a go and it'll be some story if we're able to stay up.
"Whether it's Mick [Phelan, caretaker manager] in charge or whoever, we have to go out there and do our best for the club. I don't want to go out there and get beat 3-0 or 4-0. That's not acceptable."
Hull's Premier League campaign begins at home to champions Leicester City on August 13.
