LiveScore Daily is here to deliver all the big talking points from the world of football throughout the day. Keep refreshing this page for the latest stories in bite-sized chunks.
Follow the leader
Pep Guardiola hailed “leader” Ilkay Gundogan after his two-goal display against Everton saw Manchester City edge closer to the Premier League title.
The German midfielder’s delightful double alongside an assist for Erling Haaland at Goodison Park put City within one win of a fourth crown in five years.
With four strikes in his last two games, the 32-year-old looks set to be a crucial man during the final six games of the Citizens’ pursuit of the Treble.
Guardiola said of his midfield maestro: “He doesn’t talk much but when he does everybody listens, this is the power of a leader.
“He shows every training session his leadership, arriving on time, living the job. He can play holding midfield defensively too in games like against Burnley last season when you need physicality.
“He is so intelligent, so clever and can handle the pressure really well.
“He can show again and again and again the quality, importance and his commitment to all of us. just scoring goals, he has the momentum and he can do everything.”
De Zerbi admits stars could leave
Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi has admitted his side could lose several of their key stars this summer.
The Seagulls have enjoyed a sensational campaign under the Italian boss, with yesterday’s 3-0 win over Arsenal lifting them into sixth in the Premier League.
And while the 43-year-old says midfielder Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister — who have both been heavily linked with traditional ‘big six’ clubs — could depart, he hopes others will stick around.
De Zerbi said after the victory at the Emirates: “Of course, we will lose some players — maybe Caicedo, maybe Mac Allister.
“We have to be ready to bring in another good players. The others, for [Kaoru] Mitoma and [Pervis] Estupinan, I think for them the best solution is to stay with us.
“I don’t know if they are ready to play in the big teams, you can explain better than me to ‘play in a big team.’ We can offer them the possibility to progress and improve.
“We have to improve in mentality, we are not used to playing three games per week.
“We won a fantastic game with Manchester United and after four days we played against Everton and didn’t use the victory against Manchester United.
“We started the game with the same shirts of the game against United, and I think this is the most important part to improve.”
Chelsea’s Silva lining
Thiago Silva’s wife Belle has confirmed the Brazilian defender intends to stay at Chelsea next season.
Recent reports have suggested the 38-year-old defensive stalwart was eyeing up a return to Fluminense in his native country this summer.
Supporters at Stamford Bridge unveiled a large banner celebrating their fan favourite during Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest and now he looks poised to extend his stay in West London.
Belle wrote on her Instagram story: “Guys, I want to thank everyone who came to me for a hug, for a song — ‘Oh Thiago Silva’.
“Thanks so much. We, my family, my husband, my children and me, we are very, very happy here in London, in Chelsea.
“So my family and I are blue, are Chelsea and we stay here. Go Blues!”