Bologna coach Sinisa Mihajlovic says he'll continue to work as he undergoes treatment for leukaemia.

The 50-year-old Serbian held a media conference in Bologna on Saturday, having failed to follow his squad to the mountains for their pre-season training camp.

“I asked for this Press conference and also for privacy, as I was the one who wanted to tell the squad and all of you this news first.

“Unfortunately, that did not happen, not everyone respected it and in order to sell a few more hundred copies, they ruined a long-term friendship (Corriere dello Sport, ndr).

“Unfortunately, or even fortunately, we performed some tests that showed anomalies I didn't have four months ago. I'll explain it all clearly, because I don't want people speculating. I'll tell you the truth, how things stand, then once that is done, the doctor will continue to give you updates, with my privacy respected.

“The toughest part was trying to hide it from my wife. I had a fever and she did not believe that was it, as she knows that wouldn't stop me going to pre-season training. She tried to believe me... I told her that I had a fever, but we were going for another test. It showed leukaemia.

“When I got the news, it was a real blow. I sat there for days crying, your life passes by your eyes. These are not tears of fear. I respect the illness, I will face it, with chest puffed out, looking it in the eyes, the way I always have done.

“I cannot wait to go to hospital and start the fight. It is aggressive, but it is beatable. I explained that to my players too, we had a conference call with them and as is natural, I had some tears.

“I explained to them we have to attack and go to win. If we sit back and try to defend, we'll get knocked down straight away. I have to use my tactics in this battle and I am sure, without any doubts, that I will win this battle."