Fiorentina coach Sinisa Mihajlovic refuses to condemn his players after defeat to Palermo.

The Viola are now second from bottom after a dismal start to the season.

Mihajlovic said: "My conscience is clear. We are working hard and always give our best for Fiorentina, but I know that in Italian football when the results don't come, the Coach can be sent away.

"This is a side that needs to be cuddled and not told off. Seeing as things weren't going well, I changed my approach to the squad."