Injured Carlton co-captain Sam Docherty says the atmosphere at the Blues "was like a funeral" following Brendon Bolton's sacking.
Speaking to RSN, Docherty said "it's been a big emotional week" for the playing group.
Docherty said while he can understand why the decision was made, it doesn't take away from the "human element" that comes with the decision and that it's a reminder of "the brutality of the business" that is being a senior AFL coach.
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The Carlton skipper didn't expect the sacking however, saying the was surprised by the decision after the Essendon game.
"I didn't really pick it. We've had a pretty rough month, I would say," Docherty said.
"The losses are taking its toll. You go into every game with such optimism that this will be the one that turns us around.
"We didn't play anywhere near the level we wanted to. We thought we were a chance to beat Essendon."
Docherty, who hasn't played since 2017 with two knee injuries, says that Bolton "is convinced that this group is on the right track."
The 25-year-old backman echoed these sentiments, saying that he believes the Blues are better placed to rise up the ladder than they were four years ago, despite having won less games than then.
Bolton's sacking came after winning just 16 of 77 games at the helm of the Blues.
However, it's not all doom and gloom for Carlton, with Docherty saying that caretaker coach David Teague will bring his "move the ball at all costs" style of play to the Blues.
Teague has over 10 years of coaching experience, and returned to Carlton before the 2018 season, having led the Adelaide forward line to a grand final in 2017.
Carlton take on the Brisbane Lions on Saturday, where Teague will have his first opportunity to demonstrate his vision for the Blues.
They'll be hoping to reverse their recent form against the Lions, having lost their last three games against Brisbane and six of the last seven.