Andoni Iraola reacts to striking Liverpool fouls statistic: ‘We’re an honest group’

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has acknowledged his squad is “sometimes too honest a group” as he reflected on a revealing statistic this season. The Reds, who have lost their last two games against Arsenal – when they were denied a penalty despite Alexander Isak ’s shirt being pulled – and Fenerbahce, have conceded the most fouls of any side in the Premier League this season: 128. In addition, only three Premier League sides have won fewer fouls than Iraola’s side (88). As such, the Spanish coach was questioned about the topic ahead of his side’s match against Crystal Palace on Sunday. Alexander Isak was denied a penalty against Arsenal (Getty) “We are quite an honest group, sometimes too honest,” he said. “Even the other day after the game, the referee congratulated us… I’m not sure if I like that or not! “Our behaviour was very good. I think it has to be genuine; you cannot fake things; it has to be genuine complaints. We are willing, we want to press, we want to be intense – but the balance is that there’s a big difference.” Liverpool sit fifth in the Premier League, nine points off first-placed Arsenal after their defeat to the Gunners and while they have only conceded nine goals in nine league games, they have already conceded 10 goals in four Champions League matches. “It’s been a strange season,” Iraola added. “In the Champions League, we are scoring a lot and conceding a lot. In the Premier League, we are scoring less and conceding less. We obviously want to score more, concede less! “It’s a matter of controlling the games. Sometimes against Fenerbahce, we’re controlling too much, having good positions and arriving but sometimes we have to throw numbers in the box. “It will take away more control, yes, but it gives us more threat. Especially against Arsenal… the way we attack the box has to be better.” Iraola confirmed that Ryan Gravenberch is touch and go to be ready for Selhurst Park as he continues to manage pain in his heel. “A week ago, we were on a run and in a good place and in a better mood,” he added. “Now it changes and it has to be like this. We have to react after two defeats: we need the win against Palace away.”