Javi Gracia didn't think Unai Emery was destined to be a manager when they were team-mates at Real Sociedad.
But when the two Spaniards go head-to-head at Vicarage Road on Monday night, the Watford boss concedes he will be pitting his wits against “one of the best coaches in the world.”
Emery won their last duel, with two late goals snatching a 2-0 win for Arsenal at the Emirates seven months ago, but they live only a few miles apart and have been out to dinner twice.
Hornets head coach Gracia said: “We have a good relationship – we played together many years ago and from that moment we have remained in touch.
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“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.”
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Although Gracia's congregation will be in party mood after Watford's thrilling passage to the FA Cup final, the Hornets head coach will not accept his players slipping into autopilot.
He warned: “We don't have only the Cup final - in reality we have seven cup finals to play between now and the end of the season.
“I prefer to keep the same attitude for each game, as we have done all season, and for me our final is to play against Arsenal on Monday night. That's the mentality I want to keep.”
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Emery meanwhile admitted he wants to "enjoy" Aaron Ramsey while he still can ahead of his summer switch to Juventus .
The Wales international netted in the Gunners' 2-0 win over Napoli in the Europa League on Thursday, proving once again how much of a miss he will be next season.
"He wants to help us do something important because he feels a lot for Arsenal Football Club and how he is with the supporters," the Gunners boss said.
