Iraola orders Isak to dive for penalties after Liverpool loss

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has instructed Alexander Isak to fall to the ground to secure penalty decisions, following a 1-0 Premier League defeat to Arsenal on Sunday. The manager believes the Swedish striker missed an easy opportunity to win a kick because he remained on his feet during a clear foul.

In the 21st minute at Anfield, Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber held Isak's jersey, preventing the Liverpool forward from reaching a cross into the penalty area. Isak did not appeal to the referee or drop to the turf. Instead, he laughed at Timber and continued play. The match ended with Arsenal holding a 1-0 advantage.

Iraola addressed the incident during a post-match interview on Sky Sports. He stated that the current style of officiating requires players to exaggerate contact to receive favorable calls. "That’s the problem we have with the game, because he doesn’t dive and go to the floor," Iraola said. He added that a fall would have resulted in a penalty, asserting the likelihood was 100%.

When asked directly if he would communicate this tactic to Isak, Iraola confirmed the plan. "Now the manager should tell Alex, ‘Next time you have to go to the floor, otherwise they won’t call it,’” he said. He then answered, "Yes, definitely," when prompted about whether he would give that specific advice to the player.

The decision reflects a tactical adjustment in how Liverpool will approach physical contact in future matches. Iraola indicated that the team will prioritize securing spot kicks by ensuring players demonstrate the expected physical reaction to fouls, even if the contact is not severe enough to cause a natural fall. The instruction will apply to Isak and the rest of the squad.