Manchester City Boss calls playing against FC Barcelona an honor

The preparations have begun for the friendly fixture between FC Barcelona and Manchester City, with the kickoff just a few hours away. Though it's part of the preseason tour, both clubs are desperate to edge past one another as Barcelona comes on the back of an underwhelming 23/24 campaign, and City's form has been quite average lately.

Not only is it the fixture between two European top clubs, but most importantly, it's a tie between Barcelona's legendary manager, Pep Guardiola, and his former club. Though Pep left Barca long ago, he still carries the same affection towards the Blaugrana club. Having been the lead of a fantabulous sextuple campaign, Guardiola feels his life at Barcelona.

Pep Guardiola calls playing against FC Barcelona an honor

Speaking to the media before this historic contest, Pep said,

""For me, it's always special to play against Barça. It's the club of my life. I don't care if it's friendly. It's always an honor for me to play against them.""

- Pep Guardiola

Further, wishing success to his friend Hansi Flick's new venture at FC Barcelona, Pep added,

""I hope everything goes well. You will need patience and win. Barça's potential will always be there.""

- Pep Guardiola

Being a forever fan of the infamous La Masia academy that produced the likes of Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, and Xavi, Guardiola had this to say about the academy's new prospects:

""La Masia never fails. This generation, I don't know what their parents have given them, but they go like planes. Cubarsi, Pedri, Balde, Lamine. The base has always been them and signing great players from outside.""

- Pep Guardiola

Overall, Guardiola has wished for Barcelona's long-term success, but that doesn't mean he would give it easy to Barca; the Blaugrana club would have to fight up to its true potential to extract something special from the clash against Manchester City.