Richie Wellens apologises for ‘stupid’ Ange Postecoglou comment

Leyton Orient manager Richie Wellens has apologised for a “stupid comment” he made about Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou after Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Stockport.

Asked in a post-match interview whether injuries had played a part in the loss, Wellens said: “I’m not going to make excuses, I’m not Ange Postecoglou.”

Tottenham have slipped to 16th in the Premier League amid an injury crisis that has left them without nine first-team players for Sunday’s trip to Brentford.

Later on Saturday, Wellens withdrew the comments, saying he was “deeply embarrassed”.

He said: “After today’s game, I was asked about the injuries within our squad and, without thinking, I made a stupid comment about Tottenham Hotspur.

“That comment was brought to my attention later in the evening and, having watched my interview back, I am deeply embarrassed and regret what I said.

“At Leyton Orient we have a strong relationship with Tottenham Hotspur and it was never my intention to say anything that would jeopardise that. Their manager, Ange Postecoglou, is a world-class coach and I want to apologise for my comments and wish Spurs all the very best for the second half of the season.”

Tottenham have a close relationship with Orient, with academy players Jamie Donley and Josh Keeley on loan at the club until the end of the season, while former Spurs captain Harry Kane had a loan spell there early in his career.

Tottenham women also regularly play their home games at Orient’s Brisbane Road ground, which is under five miles from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Wellens has been in charge of Orient since March 2022 and led them to the League Two title the following year.

Their defeat against Stockport was their first in 12 matches, though they remain in the play-off places on goal difference.

They take on Premier League champions Manchester City in the FA Cup fourth round next weekend.