Manchester City chief Txiki Begiristain admits he's enjoying his time with the club.

The appointment of former Barcelona sports director Begiristain and Ferran Soriano as chief executive in 2012 paved the way for the appointment of Pep Guardiola four years later.

Begiristain, 54, is a former Barcelona team-mate and close pal of Guardiola and, like Soriano, was a former director at the Nou Camp during Joan Laporta's spell as president.

“It's very different to working at Barcelona," he said. “Here the owners are happy to let us do our work, but they are absolutely professional. At Barcelona there were so many board members. Politics.

“Myself, Ferran and Pep worked together at Barcelona and we know each other well. We are enjoying it and enjoy seeing the hunger of the young players. We have to keep that hunger.

“There's a lot more to come. We can build on what we have already achieved and continue to win trophies with a young team."