‘He’s had his five minutes’ – Postecoglou responds to Leyton Orient manager Richie Wellens’ dig | OneFootball

Ange Postecoglou says he is just “stating facts” when it comes to speaking about Tottenham’s injury crisis being the main reason for their poor form.

Spurs have been decimated by injuries this season and are still without several key players including Cristian Romero, Micky Van de Ven, Brennan Johnson, Dominic Solanke, Guglielmo Vicario, Destiny Udogie and others.

Postecoglou has been dealt two further injury blows of late, with defender Radu Dragusin ruled out for the season with an ACL injury and Richarlison picking up a calf problem in the 4-0 Carabao Cup defeat to Liverpool.

But questioned as to whether fans are becoming tired of Postecoglou talking about injuries, he said: “I don’t know how it’s a narrative when you’re just stating facts.

“If people don’t see the situation we’re in as something significant, well there’s nothing I can say to that.

“If they don’t look at that list of players and think that doesn’t make a difference then I really don’t know how to answer that.

“I get that maybe the senses get dulled and people get bored.

“Everyone wants a bit of drama but that’s not drama, that’s just stating facts.

“We’ve been missing some really key players for a really long time and we’ve had to deal with that. Whether people see that as significant or not, if people here think I’m trying to create a story out of nothing, I don’t know what to say to that.”

In a post-match interview following a defeat to Stockport County, manager of League One side Leyton Orient took a swipe at Postecoglou in a post-match interview, saying “I’m not Ange Postecoglou, keep using it as an excuse” when asked about his own side’s injury problems.

Wellens has since apologised for those comments, saying in a statement: “After today’s game, I was asked about the injuries within our squad and, without thinking, I made a stupid comment about Tottenham Hotspur,” said Wellens.

“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.”

Wellens also revealed he tried to reach out to Spurs and Postecoglou to apologise but asked about the comments, Postecoglou added: “And as for other managers, he’s had his five minutes so let’s move on.”