League One manager apologizes to Postecoglou – what happened?

Leyton Orient and Tottenham Hotspur are clubs of vastly different levels, having last faced each other in 2021. So how did their paths cross again?

Details: After Leyton Orient's 1-0 defeat to Stockport on Saturday, head coach Richie Wellens was asked whether injuries to two key players contributed to the loss. His response unexpectedly dragged Tottenham’s Ange Postecoglou into the conversation.

"I’m not Ange Postecoglou—I’m not going to use that as an excuse," Wellens quipped, referencing the Spurs manager.

Shortly after, he regretted his words, leading to an official apology on the club’s website.

Quote:

“After today’s game, I was asked about injuries in our squad, and without thinking, I made a foolish comment about Tottenham. It was brought to my attention later in the evening, and after reviewing my interview, I feel deeply embarrassed and regret what I said.

Leyton Orient has a strong relationship with Tottenham, and it was never my intention to say anything that could jeopardize that. Their manager, Ange Postecoglou, is a world-class coach, and I want to apologize for my words and wish Spurs all the best for the second half of the season.”

Reminder: The defeat prevented Leyton Orient from closing the gap to one point behind fifth-placed Huddersfield, leaving them on the verge of slipping out of the League One playoff zone.