LiveScore Daily: Today’s football news in bite-sized chunks

Gavin Glicksman
LiveScore
Christian Pulisic and his Chelsea team-mates are still eyeing a top-four finish
Christian Pulisic and his Chelsea team-mates are still eyeing a top-four finish

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.

Pul the other one

Christian Pulisic insists Chelsea have not given up hope of forcing their way into the Premier League's top four. 

With just 11 games left to play, Graham Potter's Blues find themselves 11 points behind fourth-placed Tottenham in the race for the final Champions League spot. 

Seven points from their last three outings have lifted the mood among the players and Pulisic is confident the Londoners can rapidly climb up from mid-table

The American star, 24, said: "If you string a couple of wins together, it's possible. We still have to play the teams above us. 

"Anything is possible and we're going to keep fighting. It's starting to click. We still have a long way to go but you can see the improvement.

"We will keep fighting and keep pushing as we want to do well for the fans."

Tell us more

Antonio Conte has been asked to expand on his comments by Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg
Antonio Conte has been asked to expand on his comments by Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has urged Antonio Conte to be "more precise" in his criticism of Tottenham's players.

Conte is widely tipped to be sacked by Spurs this week after his outburst in the aftermath of last Saturday's 3-3 draw with Southampton. 

The Italian, 53, accused his team of lacking professionalism in a rant that also took aim at the culture of the club over the last 20 years. 

And Hojbjerg, speaking to Danish publication Tipsbladet, wants his manager to expand on his comments. 

The Denmark international, 27, said: "He gave a very honest and very open press conference. It is because he is not satisfied. 

"You don't do that if you've reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League and if you're in the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

"It comes from the fact that, unfortunately, we did not get the results we as a team and club wanted. 

"We are still where we want and need to be in the Premier League. But yes, it's hard. 

"I understand that if you want to be successful as a team, you need 11 men who are committed to a project and a culture. 

"But I think he has to elaborate on how he feels before you as a player can start measuring and weighing."

Grafter Gray

Demari Gray is enjoying being the focal point of Everton's attack
Demari Gray is enjoying being the focal point of Everton's attack

Demari Gray is loving life as Everton's centre forward but admits it is hard graft. 

Known more for his skills on the wing, Gray has led Sean Dyche's attack for the last three games, including last Saturday's 2-2 draw at Chelsea. 

And the 26-year-old ace is relishing being the focal point in the absence of Dominic Calvert-Lewin. 

He said: "It's a shift! I'm enjoying it. For me, it's just about being on the pitch, trying to helps the boys and contribute where I can.

"I always try to contribute with goals and assists but it's about working hard wherever I'm asked to play. 

"Whatever role I'm given, I'm going to give 100%."

Roo to tackle Gunners

DC United boss Wayne Rooney will manage the MLS All-Stars against Arsenal in July
DC United boss Wayne Rooney will manage the MLS All-Stars against Arsenal in July

Arsenal will face a Major League Soccer All-Stars team managed by Wayne Rooney on July 19. 

The match is set to take place in Washington DC at Audi Field, the home of DC United, who Rooney took charge of last summer. 

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta said: "It's great that we're playing against the MLS All-Stars.

"Our US tour last summer was very good preparation for the season and we're looking forward to once again visiting our amazing supporters in the US. 

"The match against the MLS All-Stars will be a good test ahead of the 2023-24 season."

Rooney, who returned to DC United having previously played for the club from 2018 to 2019, said: "I've had a front row seat to watch the growth and development of MLS, first as a player and now as a manager. 

"The opportunity to lead the best our league has to offer against a top Premier League club like Arsenal will be a highlight for me personally and an unforgettable experience for our passionate fanbase."

Kind gesture

The FA have invited more than 1,000 Ukrainian refugees and their host families to attend England's Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine at Wembley on Sunday. 

UK Sports Minister Stuart Andrew said: "Over the past year the UK has stood shoulder to shoulder with the people of Ukraine. 

"Thousands of people have played their part by generously welcoming Ukrainians into their homes and we continue to do all we can to support all those displaced because of Vladimir Putin's illegal war. 

"This Euro 2024 qualifier will be a poignant and emotional occasion and I applaud the FA and the team at Wembley Stadium for their kind gesture."

Tags

Premier LeagueChelseaChristian PulisicEvertonMajor League SoccerDC UnitedEnglandUkraineTottenham Hotspur