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

Iraola acknowledged Liverpool's defensive honesty after conceding 128 fouls this season, the most in the Premier League, ahead of Sunday's trip to Crystal Palace.

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola reflected on a striking statistic showing his side has conceded the most fouls of any Premier League team this season with 128, while winning only 88 fouls themselves — fewer than all but three other top-flight sides.

Speaking ahead of Sunday's match at Crystal Palace, Iraola described his squad as "quite an honest group, sometimes too honest," noting that even a referee congratulated them on their behaviour after their recent defeat to Arsenal. The Spanish manager emphasized that complaints and intensity must be genuine rather than manufactured, though he acknowledged the balance between pressing hard and avoiding fouls is difficult to strike.

Liverpool sit fifth in the Premier League, nine points behind Arsenal after losing to the Gunners and Fenerbahce. Iraola highlighted the contrasting nature of their season: dominant in the Champions League with high-scoring, high-conceding matches, but more controlled in the league while struggling to score. He confirmed Ryan Gravenberch is a doubt for Selhurst Park due to a heel injury.