Gracia tells Doucoure they can grow together at Watford

Javi Gracia insists Abdoulaye Doucoure does not need to leave Watford this summer as he can realise his ambitions at Vicarage Road.

Doucoure is on Paris St Germain’s radar, with recent comments in which he outlined his desire to win titles and play in the Champions League likely to have fanned the flames of their interest.

But Gracia, who is preparing for Saturday’s trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United, insists Watford can provide the platform for the French midfielder to flourish.

“When Doucoure said he wanted to grow, I said that I’d like him to grow with me in this team. We can do it together!” Gracia said.

“If we are able to grow step by step, then we have the players to improve day by day. We have a good mentality and a good attitude.

“If we carry on working, not just Doucoure but all the squad, then I think we can grow together.

“I don’t like to speak about that (the Champions League) because then after it’s a problem.

“We have to decide the best for the team and at the moment we have to win all our games.”

Watford, who are in the hunt for a Europa League spot, also face Wolves in a semi-final of the FA Cup on Sunday week.

“I wish we have two games in the FA Cup and eight in the Premier League left to play. In these 10 games we have to show what we are able to do,” Gracia said.

“It’s the most decisive part of the season, and I am focused only on the next game because we’ve done it that way for the whole season. We have to continue like that.

“In eight days we are going to play three games and we have to make the right decisions but all the games are important for us. At this moment, the most important thing is United.

“We have to know some players have been with their national teams and with three games in a row in a short time, we need to make decisions in selection.

“We will choose the best XI for this game and are ready to get a good result.”