Watford manager Javi Gracia has identified fellow Spaniard Rafa Benitez as a key influence on his own coaching career.
Gracia believes the success of foreign managers such as Tottenham Hotspur’s Mauricio Pochettino, Arsenal’s Arsene Wenger and Benitez in the Premier League offers an excellent example for aspiring overseas coaches to follow.
“I know Pochettino. He played in Spain and then coached at Espanyol,” Gracia said.
“The level of Pochettino for me is high and Tottenham have shown this season - and in the past - even though they have not won the Champions League or other competitions.
“But, for me, he is one of the best coaches at the moment. He is up there with [Arsene] Wenger and Benitez. They are important coaches who are very good examples [for foreign managers].”