By Sohaib Shams
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has acknowledged his squad is "sometimes too honest a group" after a revealing Premier League statistic showed his side have conceded the most fouls this season while winning the fewest.
Fouls statistic highlights honesty
The Reds have conceded 128 fouls in the league, more than any other team, and have won only 88 fouls, the third-lowest total. Iraola addressed the disparity ahead of Sunday's match at Crystal Palace, saying: "We are quite an honest group, sometimes too honest. Even the other day after the game, the referee congratulated us… I'm not sure if I like that or not!"
Recent defeats and Champions League contrast
Liverpool have lost their last two games, against Arsenal and Fenerbahce. They sit fifth in the Premier League, nine points behind leaders Arsenal, having conceded nine goals in nine league matches but 10 goals in four Champions League outings. Iraola described it as a "strange season" and stressed the need to control games better and improve attacking threat in the box.
Gravenberch doubt for Palace trip
Midfielder Ryan Gravenberch is a doubt for the Selhurst Park clash as he manages heel pain. Iraola said the team must react after two defeats: "We have to react after two defeats: we need the win against Palace away."
