David Teague’s manager Liam Pickering has called out what he believes is a “vicious” and “absolutely disgusting” media campaign to drive him out of Carlton.
The embattled Blues coach is awaiting results of an external club review, which is widely tipped to decide his fate as well as the jobs of several other key figures at the club.
Heading into the penultimate round of the season, Teague has coached Carlton to 21 wins from his 48 games as senior coach.
Pickering says it’s a “disgrace” that some in the media appear to “attack” him as speculation around his future at the club escalates.
“It’s been a vicious, deliberate and nasty attack on a young coach in my view,” he said on Off The Bench.
“I think it’s been absolutely disgusting. These journos and other people wouldn’t have the guts to do that to (Hawthorn premiership coach) Alastair Clarkson or anyone with a senior portfolio.
“They pick on a young coach who’s coached less than two full years and make it all about him.
“I think it’s a disgrace to be perfectly honest.”
Pressed further about the type of people involved in commentary around Teague’s future, Pickering slammed the “so-called expects” talking and writing about the Carlton coach.
He also called on the Blues to stick with Teague, who is currently contracted until the end of 2022.
“I’m talking about everyone that is writing about it,” he said.
“Everyone that is saying ‘he’s gone before the end of the day, he’s gone before Friday’, they’re barracking for it. It’s a sickening way to earn a living and I can’t stand it to be honest.
“I’m not doubing their sources or opinions…I’m hoping that they don’t (part ways with David Teague), but these so-called experts think they know best.
“I would like to think the club has more backbone than to tip into the way the media is running a campaign to push out a young coach who has a better record that anyone they’ve had there since Brett Ratten who was pushed out there as well.
“I just think it’s disgusting…he’s had to defend himself which is even more staggering. I think it’s pathetic.”