Watford boss Javi Gracia didn't expect Unai Emery to be a top manager back in their playing days but hailed as one of the bench coaches in the world ahead of the Hornets' match with Arsenal.
The duo played together at Real Sociedad and formed a bond during their time together in La Liga.
Now, both are enjoying their first full season in the Premier League where Arsenal have surpassed last season's points tally and Watford are set for their best ever finish in the division.
Gracia didn't envisage Emery's journey leading to coaching however.
The Spaniard said: “In that moment, no – we just spoke about football, played football and we enjoyed it.
'Thank you!' - Arsenal fans go wild as Emile Smith Rowe returns from injury for RB Leipzig
“But in my opinion, Unai is now one of the best coaches in the world, not only in England.”
“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.”
Arsenal star Alex Iwobi reveals the two times he came close to leaving the Gunners
With Watford reaching the FA Cup final it would be easy for them to take their eye off the Premier League as Gracia is reunited with Emery but the Watford boss is placing plenty of importance on the fixture.
He said: "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.”
Lacazette, Xhaka and Torreira - Arsenal team news and predicted XI for crucial Watford clash
Keep up to date with the latest news, features and exclusives from football.london via the free football.london app for iPhone and Android
Available to download from the App Store and Google Play .
