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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
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Joe Bray

Man City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak outlines vision plus more in latest behind-the-scenes episode

As Manchester City were continuing their winning run in December and January last season, chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak made a visit to the club for the Premier League win over Chelsea.

In scenes shown in City's latest episode of their behind-the-scenes documentary of their title-winning 2021/22 campaign, Al Mubarak is seen catching up with the squad and their families and discussing his community vision for all employees of the club.

Other moments spotted include a revealing conversation between Txiki Begiristain and Omar Berrada on the club's stance towards contract renewals and spending on salaries, as well as some poignant moments after a robbery at Joao Cancelo's home.

ALSO READ: Man City boardroom discussion on player salaries and contract decisions

We've picked out the notable moments from the latest episode:

Chairman outlines his vision

Arriving ahead of City's first-vs-second clash with Chelsea in January, chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak is seen greeting players and staff members as he says: "I think there has to be that connection between everyone involved in the club. We're all one team. My responsibility is to maintain that feel that we're all in this together, we're all one team. We're all approachable and reachable. I try every time I'm here to say hello to everybody as much as I can. To keep that connection somehow with everybody connected at the club, not just the players."

After Kevin De Bruyne's brilliant solo goal earned City a crucial three points, he later goes to meet De Bruyne, who is with his children, and jokes with them: "Did you see the goal I scored today?"

He adds: "It's not just a winning DNA, but a DNA of togetherness. We're all family, we're all close, all comfortable. Meeting Kevin's children, saying hello, it's natural. It's part of what makes this a special culture at a special club."

Fernandinho's reaction to Cancelo robbery

Around the same time, Joao Cancelo was subjected to a horrific robbery at his home, and he reflects on the experience in an interview and the role Fernandinho played in the immediate aftermath. He said: "I was with my family in the living room. Hooded men terrorised my whole house, my family and my two-year-old daughter."

In footage filmed at Fernandinho's home, the former captain can be seen telling Ederson: "He rang me, I picked up and he was video calling me. I thought it was strange when he made a video call because he was bleeding and I thought he was doing some prank. I go to the bedroom with my phone and say 'what happened?' 'They entered my house, assaulted me.' I said, 'Joao, take it easy, I'm coming over.'"

Cancelo continued: "In five or ten minutes Fernandinho was at my house trying to calm down me and my family. Fernandinho showed me that side to be able to count on him also in these difficult times for me and for my family. And I gained even greater respect than I already had for him.

"Family is the most important thing I have in my life. If they hurt them, they are hurting me. Because if they hurt me I am ready for it. I've suffered in life. I know that I will suffer in the future and I am prepared to suffer. But don't make my family suffer, this I am not able to bear. No matter the excuses I would never forgive this."

Walker's emotional speech

Another emotional moment comes on New Year's Eve, when City are in their team hotel ahead of the game at Arsenal the following day. Kyle Walker, who had been given some time off following the sad passing of his friend Dom Yarwood, gave a speech to the squad.

He said: "I'd like to say thank you for all your kind messages for the recent passing of my friend. Secondly, thank you for all of you guys and the sacrifices you make throughout the year and obviously tonight being away from your families and loved ones. Cheers, happy new year."

Rodri's early leadership bid

At half time at Southampton in January, with City 1-0 down, Rodri took it upon himself to try and motivate his teammates, with the final word before the players went out for the second half. After Guardiola praised his players, Rodri simply said: "Face it guys, we have 45 minutes to come back. Let's go, vamos."

He then explained: "I feel that because my role, my position i need to do a step forward in these situations because the team needs some players to look at and I think my role. Of course I need to improve, learn, experience. I take in this and this and from players like Dinho, I'm learning a lot and I want to be a leader in this club.

"I can hear Kompany left, the big players left, David [Silva], the captains. Someone has to take that role, we all take the role but I think I can do it."

Weekly episodes of ‘Together: Champions Again!’ are available on City+ and Manchester City’s Recast Channel for fans to enjoy.

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