The Blades boss believes his side have developed a soft touch and wants his players to show more of the ugly side to their game. 

With his Sheffield United coming up against playoff contenders Coventry City at Bramall Lane on Saturday afternoon, Jokanovic is asking more from his players in terms of fight shown.

United have now won two games in eight and has seen them fall down 17th, nine points off the top six. One of the factors Jokanovic has highlighted is the conceding of soft goals, and has urged his side to not be 'so kind'.

He told The Examiner Live: "I am using different words, but sometimes you need to kick arses because it's not acceptable.

"We have to mark our territory. You are in my home, you are playing in Sheffield, it's not acceptable. It's right about we need to be more nasty. Don't be so kind. It's simple. It's not competition between good and bad people, this is competition about being a winner and doing everything that is legal to win."

Jokanovic recognised that he has good players, but insist needs more of an edge from them to win games, with the Blades boss adding: "My players are good football players.

"We can analyse shape and other things, but it's a question of the moments where we need to compete and at the moment we don't compete so good."

The Verdict

Sheffield United boast one of the most talented squads in the division that is packed with experience, players in their peak years and a good crop of youngsters.

It's an ideal blend for any ambitious club. However, for whatever reason things just haven't got going for Jokanovic. One of the issues has been the lack of consistent XI from the former Fulham and Watford manager.

But with Jokanovic questioning his sides ability to win ugly, perhaps he lacks the trust needed in some players to win games.

If they are able to blend things together, then there is plenty of time, and more than enough quality, to turn things round at Bramall Lane this season.