Exclusive - Ruud Gullit: Rafa Benitez is preparing for Jose Mourinho's Chelsea return

Ruud Gullit believes Rafa Benitez’s main task during his time at the Blues is to qualify for the Champions League next season – so Jose Mourinho can return to the club.

The Real Madrid boss has been linked with a return to the Blues in the summer, as it appears his time is coming to an end with the La Liga champions.

Former Liverpool chief Benitez is on a short-term contract at Stamford Bridge and ex-Chelsea player, and manager, Gullit claims his time is coming to an end in west London.

“Rafa Benitez's main objective this season is to qualify for the Champions League and then to make way for Jose Mourinho,” he told Drive Time. “I have a gut feeling that Mourinho will come back to Chelsea.

“I have a feeling that he was meant to come back after the Champions League final but then when Chelsea won it I think he thought better of it. It’s no coincidence that right after the final he signed a new contract with Real Madrid.”

Chelsea have reached the Europa League last-16 stage, having been knocked out of Europe's premier tournament earlier this season, and Gullit went on to state that the Blues should not look down upon the competition.

“They shouldn’t underestimate the Europa League,” he added. “It’s still a trophy. The competition isn’t as important as they’re used to, because they have been in the Champions League, but you cannot afford to take these games lightly. People will laugh at you even more if you fail.

"You must take this seriously. It’s a European competition. For the club and players it’s something to achieve.”