GUNNERS ARE GIVEN A NEIGH ON DOUCOURE
WATFORD boss Javi Gracia agrees neighbours should be there for one another – but not when it comes to Arsenal taking Abdoulaye Doucoure.
Only a hedge separates the two clubs at their London Colney training bases and, as the TV theme song goes, good neighbours have become good friends.
But Gracia has drawn the line at letting 25-year-old Doucoure anywhere near Arsene Wenger – who has expressed his admiration for his fellow Frenchman.
Doucoure’s style has been een likened to Gunners great Patrick Vieira and Arsenal are among a crop of clubs trailing the Hornets’ highly-rated midfielder.
Gracia (right) said: “We are good neighbours and if they need something they can ask us and we can give them hem some salt or some sugar.
“We have a very good relationship. But no, that doesn’t mean they can have Doucoure! Of course I don’t know what will happen in the future but I think he is very happy with the team, the supporters and at the club.
“I think he is a very good player and is having a good season. I would like him to stay with us.”
Doucoure – who is stalling on an offer to become Watford’s highest-paid player – revealed last month that Arsenal would be his first-choice destination should he leave.
And Watford’s seven-goal top scorer will be out to impress in the shop window at the Emirates today. Garcia said: “Players like Doucoure are important because he runs long distances in matches. He has a very good attitude and good mentality. If he will sign a new contract or stay with us for a long time, I don’t know.”
Watford have been through 18 different managers since Wenger arrived at Arsenal in 1996. It’s little wonder the Spaniard is not putting his feet up at Watford given the board’s trigger-happy approach.
He said: “I’m in a hotel now but that’s not because I’m worried about my future.
“It’s the better option for me at this moment in time as I wait for my family to come o over for next season. “W “Will any manager now las last as long as Wenger has h in one job? I don’t think t so.
“It’s very difficult to stay at a club for more than four, five or six years. y
“People get tired very quickly quic and clubs want to change chang players and managers.” ” The calls for Wenger’s head could intensify if Watford do the league double over Arsenal for the first time in 30 years.
Gracia says his under-fire opposite number deserves recognition rather than ridicule.
He added: “Wenger deserves all my respect and I think he has done an excellent job at Arsenal.
“He has been there for 22 years. I think he is a great manager. After a career that he has had, he deserves the best rewards.
“But it’s a chance for us to get points and I don’t think of anything else. I’m concentrating on only one thing and that’s my team putting in the best performance to get a result.”