Now available to watch exclusively on CITY+, the feature length documentary chronicles the final 46 days of the 2020-21 season, taking viewers closer to Pep Guardiola, his players and staff than they have ever been before.
Beginning in the build-up to the second leg of City’s Champions League quarter-final against Borussia Dortmund, Together includes unrivalled behind-the-scenes footage and a host of exclusive interviews from the entire team as we see and hear what it was like to be part of a season like no other.
Here are five things we learned from watching the documentary:
Chef Walker makes his oWn Spaghetti Bolognese
Something that is abundantly clear throughout the film is how important the backroom staff are and the high esteem in which they are held in by the squad.
The players are extremely appreciative of their work and, in the case of Kyle Walker, even willing to assist them.
On matchday ahead of Dortmund, the right-back is seen in the kitchen making his own Spaghetti Bolognese to ease the burden on the chefs, something we learn is a regular occurrence.
“Sometimes, when everyone is rushing in and asking the two chefs, bless them, to cook them pasta after pasta, I just feel I can help them out and make my own Spaghetti Bolognese,” Walker explains.
And the 31-year-old isn’t the only influence in the kitchen, as we discover ‘Riyad Pasta’ is a regular request for the chefs.
The Algerian’s preference of chicken (very well done), cheese and caramelised onion has become a firm favourite amongst the rest of the players.
Ake hits the right notes
We already knew Nathan Ake was learning to play the piano, what we didn’t realise was just how good he was.
That’s made clear in the hours after the quarter-final victory over Dortmund, when the centre-back tickles the ivories as the team celebrate with a meal back at the hotel.
Zack Steffen is one particularly keen observer, and the tune went down extremely well with the rest of the squad.
Two touch warm-up
From Ruben Dias stretching in a makeshift studio in a hotel, to the work of the physios and masseurs, Together really highlights the extent of the players’ pre-game preparation and post-match recovery schedules.
Something which has, unofficially, it seems, become part of the pre-match routine is a game of two touch, which Phil Foden reveals is a chance for some of the squad to get an early feel for the ball.
The Academy graduate and Gabriel Jesus are two players we see participating most regularly in the game, which usually takes place in the changing room or, in the shower, as was the case before we faced Paris Saint-Germain away.
Up next
Next Fixture
All fixturesPremier League
BST
Mystic Mendy predicted Mahrez PSG goal
The first leg of our Champions League semi-final against PSG was a nerve-racking affair as Guardiola’s men fell behind to an early goal only to come roaring back to record a superb 2-1 win.
Mahrez was the match-winner that night, curling a brilliant free-kick around the wall to seal the victory, a goal which for Benjamin Mendy was written in the stars.
The Frenchman was captured on camera predicting City’s No.26 would score in the days leading up to the game and, although he forecast a right-footed goal, the fact Mahrez curled in with his favoured left takes nothing away from the full-back’s foresight.
The importance of Scott Carson
Scott Carson has managed one appearance in his two years at City, but Together sheds light on the important role he plays behind the scenes at the City Football Academy.
The back-up goalkeeper is a hugely popular figure in the squad and enjoys a great relationship with Ederson, who has invented his own battle cry in tribute to the 35-year-old.
But the moment which reinforces just how highly he is thought of is in the immediate aftermath of the second leg victory over Dortmund.
Injury had ruled Carson out of the trip to Germany, but as the players celebrated, they Facetimed their team-mate to ensure he was part of the celebrations.
Together is available to watch exclusively on CITY+ now.
CITY+ gives fans access to selected live women’s and academy games, full match replays of all men’s and women’s matches 24 hours after the final whistle, and original CityTV productions.
Fans can sign up for just £1.99GBP / month.
