Leyton Orient manager Richie Wellens highlighted his side's attacking output as the key takeaway from their pre-season victory over Belgian side Antwerp, telling BBC Radio London that "the biggest thing is we've made the most chances."

Chances the benchmark Wellens wanted

Speaking to BBC's Dave Victor shortly after the final whistle, Wellens was measured in his assessment but pointed clearly to one metric that pleased him most. Creating more openings than a well-drilled continental opponent gave the Orient head coach genuine encouragement heading into the new League One campaign.

Pre-season results carry limited weight on their own, but the patterns of play that produce chances tend to translate once competitive football begins. For Wellens, seeing his forwards and midfielders combine to fashion openings against unfamiliar opposition was a more meaningful signal than the scoreline alone.

What it means for Orient's season ahead

Orient go into the new League One season with ambitions of pushing at the right end of the table. Wellens has been in charge long enough to stamp his preferred style on the squad, and the Antwerp friendly suggested that shape is coming together.

Chance creation has been a recurring theme under Wellens. His teams tend to press high and look to overload wide areas, drawing defenders before cutting inside or switching the play. If Orient can carry that threat into their opening third-tier fixtures, they will trouble defences across the division.

The manager will also be aware that converting those chances is the next challenge. Dominating possession and territory in pre-season is one thing; doing it under the pressure of a genuine League One contest, with points on the line, is another. But building the habit of generating openings is the right foundation.

Squad taking shape

The friendly against Antwerp gave Wellens the chance to run the rule over his squad in a competitive environment, ahead of what promises to be a demanding third-tier campaign. Pre-season trips and high-profile warm-up opponents serve a dual purpose: fitness building and a live test of tactical ideas.

Orient supporters will be encouraged that their manager came away from this fixture talking about attacking intent rather than defensive solidity. It suggests the squad has absorbed what Wellens wants in the final third and is beginning to execute it consistently.

With the League One season approaching, every positive sign from pre-season matters. For Wellens, the chance count against Antwerp was exactly that kind of sign, and it will give both the manager and the Brisbane Road faithful reason for optimism as the campaign draws near.

Frequently asked

Who is Leyton Orient's manager?
Richie Wellens is the Leyton Orient head coach going into the current League One season.
How did Leyton Orient do against Antwerp in pre-season?
Orient beat Belgian side Antwerp in a pre-season friendly, with manager Richie Wellens particularly pleased that his side created the most chances in the game.
When does Leyton Orient's League One season start?
The exact opening-day fixture date was not confirmed in this report, but the pre-season friendly against Antwerp took place on 3 August 2026, indicating the competitive season is imminent.