Éric Abidal has glorified Pep Guardiola’s philosophy ahead of Manchester City's Champions League visit to Barcelona in the coming week. The retired defender is remembered as a Barça legend around the world, and Pep will feel honored to earn his praise. Here is what Éric had to say:

“Sometimes there are risks to be taken, and you have to be daring enough. Pep Guardiola dared to impose his style of play. He also defied the difficulties he faced. The difficulty lay in teaching people to keep the ball longer than ever before. That’s what caused huge change in football and has inspired many teams to play like Barca since.” Source: Twitter/ChampionsLeague

The 37-year-old is not the only one who has shown respect for Pep just before the highly anticipated Champions League match next week. Ex-Manchester United defender and current Barça star Gerard Piqué had only good things to say about his time under Guardiola:

“I have always said that every training session with Pep was a lesson learned. He knows so much about football and from day one we learned to love this sport more and more. We experienced four incredible years with him and I think it was the best four years for the club, because we won so many titles, and he has to be thanked for everything he has done for this club.” Source: Twitter/ChampionsLeague

Quotes from these huge names in the football world reflect the massive success Pep Guardiola has enjoyed in his journey for triumph. City look set to give the Blaugranas some hard-fought competition, and it will undoubtedly be an emotional 90 minutes for Pep Guardiola. The home fans will give him their love, regardless of the result.

The Sky Blues will travel to the Camp Nou next Wednesday, in hopes of stealing three points at Barça's home.