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Txiki Begiristain is taking flak from Manchester City fans impatient to see new faces arriving at the club this summer.

But the man who preceded the amiable Catalan in the football director role at the Etihad Stadium says supporters need to realise the magnitude of the task he faces.

Brian Marwood faced the unenviable task of trying to snare players for the volatile Roberto Mancini – and that led to a strained relationship at times.

He can take credit for helping to bring in players who form the nub of this team – Yaya Toure, David Silva and Sergio Aguero, to name three.

Now Marwood is managing directory of City Football Services, who provide scouting and statistical analysis to the City Football Group.

He says his successor Begiristain has an especially difficult job, in trying to make signings that take City to the next level.

News this week that City have baulked at the £71million asking price for Paul Pogba, and also have no new bid ready for Raheem Sterling, has increased the frustration level of some fans.

But Marwood emphasised the difficulty of the job: “Seven years ago when I came here, we were trying to build a team to be competitive, to win the league and do well in the Champions League,” he said.

“At that time we were asking players to buy into the vision of what the owners were trying to do. Now we have something we can show them – the stadium, the CFA and a cabinet full of trophies.

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“But with the players we are going for we are at the table with Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Chelsea. That is tough competition.

“Txiki is working really, really hard to make sure the targets we are looking for are ones who will come to the club and take us to the next level.”

Marwood knows what it is like to take stick from fans – and the manager.

In the summer of 2012, Mancini asked for Eden Hazard, Robin van Persie and Daniele de Rossi, but the Blues ended up signing Jack Rodwell, Javi Garcia and Scott Sinclair.

Club sources have since indicated there was nothing more Marwood could have done to land the three main targets – and Begiristain may be feeling a similar heat right now.

Said Marwood: “It’s always a tough role even if you get the players you want – but then it’s fantastic. A lot of work goes in behind the scenes to build up to the transfer windows. You are always trying to strengthen and make the squad better.

“Txiki has got great experience and knowledge and a great contact base from his time at Barcelona. He is working hard to improve what is already a very good team, but we have to keep seeking to get better.”