Leyton Orient head coach Richie Wellens has apologised for a “stupid comment” about Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou in the wake of his side’s League One defeat to Stockport on Saturday.

Wellens said “I’m not Ange Postecoglou, keep using it as an excuse”, when asked whether injuries had contributed to Orient’s 1-0 home loss during his post-match media duties.

Postecoglou is coming under increasing pressure this season with his Spurs side currently languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table. Tottenham have lost a host of players to injury this term and are set to be without nine first-team players for Sunday’s trip to Brentford.

In a statement issued by Leyton Orient, Wellens 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.”

Two Leyton Orient players who started Saturday’s match – goalkeeper Josh Keeley and Jamie Donley – are currently on loan from Tottenham.

Orient’s loss to Stockport was their first in 12 league matches and despite the defeat they remain in the League One play-off places.