Both players feel indebted to the City boss who they believe started something of a football revolution through his innovative thinking and coaching methods.
“Sometimes there are risks to be taken,” Abidal - who retired in 2014 - told @ChampionsLeague. “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 try to play like Barca since.”
Pique was equally fulsome in his praise, adding: “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 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.”
Sounds like Pep is in for a warm welcome next week!
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