Watford boss Javi Gracia admits he didn't see Unai Emery as a future manager when they were Real Sociedad teammates.

But he goes head-to-head at Vicarage Road with the Arsenal boss on Monday night, the Watford boss concedes he will be pitting his wits against “one of the best coaches in the world."

Gracia said: “We have a good relationship – we played together many years ago and from that moment we have remained in touch.

“At different times, we have played against each as players and managers and it will be good to see him again – we are very close but our teams are very different."

Asked if he earmarked Emery as a top manager-in-the-making back in their playing days, Gracia replied: “In that moment, no – we just spoke about football, played football and we enjoyed it.

“But in my opinion, Unai is now one of the best coaches in the world, not only in England."