Ruud Gullit believes Jose Mourinho will make return to Chelsea

Didier Drogba of Chelsea and former Chelsea manager Ruud Gullit celebrate after their victory in the UEFA Champions League Final

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Jose Mourinho could be set for a dramatic return to Chelsea, according to former Blues boss Ruud Gullit.

The Portuguese manager enjoyed a successful first spell at Stamford Bridge, winning 124 of his 185 matches in charge and delivering two Premier League titles, two League Cups, an FA Cup and a Community Shield.

Mourinho did not leave Chelsea on the best of terms in September 2007, but former Netherlands international Gullit is confident that he is set for a return.

“I had a feeling already before the (Champions League) final that Mourinho was maybe coming to Chelsea,” said Gullit.

“From the moment Chelsea won it (the Champions League) I think Mourinho said no because it’s not a coincidence that he signed his contract just after, and therefore my instinct says he will be appointed.

“Chelsea want him for next season. That is my feeling, if it’s right I don’t know. I have no proof of that and I said it already before the (Champions League) final.

“That’s my feeling and therefore it also took a while for Chelsea to find somebody new because they wanted somebody else but who wants to go to a team that has just won the Champions League?”

Current interim manager Rafael Benitez remains deeply unpopular with the Chelsea fans and it appears inevitable that he will not be staying beyond the end of this season.

Although the Blues progressed in the Europa League last night, they were unconvincing and required a stoppage time goal from Eden Hazard to book their place in the next round, and Gullit believes that Benitez was on a hiding to nothing.

Gullit mused: “He would have known that before (that he would be unpopular) but he wanted the job anyway so you have to deal with it.

“It’s not an easy job, especially after winning the Champions League with Roberto. I still feel for Roberto, I still think it’s unfair.”

Despite the Dutchman declaring his support for Roberto Di Matteo, he still feels that owner Roman Abramovich is doing a good job.

He added: “I think he’s done a great job for Chelsea, he knows exactly what he wants.

“I think he just wants to see good football every game, it’s not always easy nowadays but he is a purist.”