EFL boss criticizes his own team hard, even after they avoided relegation, in the toughest interview of the season
Leyton Orient manager Richie Wellens gave a very honest post-match interview after his team narrowly avoided relegation to League Two. Despite staying up, Wellens didn’t hold back in criticizing his players.
Orient ended the season in 20th place after a 2-2 draw with Burton Albion on the last day. Thanks to Exeter City’s 2-1 loss to Bradford City, Orient will stay in League One next season. Usually, avoiding relegation on the final day is a big relief, but Wellens wasn’t in a celebrating mood.
After reaching the play-off final the previous year, Wellens called this season “embarrassing,” with the team only earning 52 points from 46 games. He even asked his players to leave the pitch immediately after applauding the fans because he felt many had “wasted 10 months of their career,” and he believed he had wasted a year of his coaching time too.
“We looked like we were going down,” Wellens said. “We had to rely on other results to stay up. We kept conceding goals at bad times, like right before half-time and in the last five minutes. We lost so many points because of that.”
He made it clear that the players should clap the fans, who have supported the team all season, but shouldn’t celebrate with their families on the pitch. “It’s been embarrassing. Some players haven’t given their best. We haven’t given the fans enough good moments.”
Wellens wants the team to show more effort, saying, “We can play badly, but we must run, fight, and show more passion.” He also said the squad needs “more speed and character,” and promised to work on signing better players next season.
On a brighter note, Dom Ballard was a real positive, finishing as League One’s top scorer with 23 goals. Wellens praised Ballard’s hard work and determination, but admitted that if a good offer comes for him, the club might have to think about selling.