Javi Gracia was discussing Watford's upcoming clash with Arsenal manager Unai Emery when he learnt of dismissal

Unai Emery was walking through the Spanish town of Hondarribia last weekend when a familiar face appeared at the other end of the road. Coming down the street was Javi Gracia, a good friend of Emery’s and, at the time, still the Watford head coach.

The international break had provided both men with an opportunity to switch off from the pressures of club football, but they still found time to chat about the upcoming match between their two teams this weekend. “It’s amazing,” said Emery this week, recalling the coincidence.

Except the discussion did not last for long. While they were talking about Arsenal’s trip to Vicarage Road, the news came through to Gracia that he had, in that very moment, lost his job. “We started speaking about our match, and we finished it [the conversation] knowing he was sacked,” said Emery.

Even Emery, a man not prone to telling colourful anecdotes, accepted that this was a remarkable twist of fate. “It’s a good story, yes?” he said. It is also a sad story for him, given the relationship he had with Gracia and their proximity in London, where the club’s training grounds are divided by a single fence.

Gracia was the first person that Emery called last summer when the prospect of taking over from Arsene Wenger became a genuine possibility. Last season the two sets of coaching staff went for dinner in St Albans and both men, who were team-mates at Real Sociedad during their playing days, were no doubt looking forward to renewing acquaintances this weekend.

Emery was full of praise for Gracia’s work, saying he expects his compatriot to find new work soon. “He is a very good coach, as he showed last year in Watford,” Emery said. “The club decided [to sack him], and I have to respect that. He is going to work and he is going to continue his career like he is, like a great coach.”

Emery will instead be coming up against another Spaniard, Quique Sanchez Flores. It will be the eighth time they have faced each other as coaches, with Sanchez Flores winning three to Emery’s one.