League One manager apologises for making 'stupid' Ange Postecoglou comment - and admits he's 'deeply embarrassed' for disrespectful swipe at Tottenham boss

When asked about injuries, he said he won't make excuses like Postecoglou

Leyton Orient manager Richie Wellens has apologised for making a 'stupid comment' about Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou after his side's 1-0 defeat against Stockport on Saturday.

When asked during a post-match interview whether injuries had contributed to the loss, Wellens said: 'I'm not Ange Postecoglou, keep using it as an excuse.'

Spurs have endured a nightmare campaign in the Premier League, slipping to 16th in the table after 13 defeats from 23 matches.

Postecoglou has been forced to chop and change his side frequently over the course of the season so far, hit with injuries to several key defenders including Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie.

The Australian is currently also without the likes of James Maddison, Dominic Solanke and Brennan Johnson in attack ahead of Sunday's trip to Brentford.

Wellens has since apologised for his remark about Postecoglou, admitting he is 'deeply embarrassed' by it.

Leyton Orient manager Richie Wellens (above) has apologised for making a 'stupid comment' about Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou after his side's 1-0 defeat against Stockport

Postecoglou's Spurs have endured a nightmare start in the Premier League so far this season

Orient and Spurs have a close relationship, with Harry Kane previously going on loan there

Leyton Orient boss Richie Wellens on injuries, after his side lost today:

🗣️“I’m not Ange Postecoglou, keep using it as an excuse.”

Staggering disrespect… Spurs should recall Jamie Donley and Josh Keeley immediately, and put them on loan elsewhere… 🤔pic.twitter.com/hIWXUis4XD — Football Confidential 🌐 (@footballconfid1) February 1, 2025

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

'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.'

Spurs, who have a close relationship with Orient, sent academy stars Jamie Donley and Josh Keeley to the League One club for a season-long loan at the start of the campaign.

Former Tottenham captain Harry Kane also completed a loan spell there early in his career, while Spurs women regularly play their home games at Orient's Brisbane Road.

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