“Manager claims his dismissal from Chelsea was driven by a power struggle and had no connection to football.”

Ruud Gullit has reiterated that his dismissal from Chelsea was driven by power struggles rather than footballing reasons.

 

In an interview with A Bola, the former Chelsea manager reflected on his time at the club, his departure, and the current state of affairs at Stamford Bridge.

 

Gullit took on the role of player-coach at Chelsea from July 1996 until February 1998, marking his first managerial experience as his playing career neared its end. During his tenure, he oversaw 83 matches, achieving an average of 1.73 points per game and securing the FA Cup in the 1996/97 season. He also guided the team to the 1998 final, where they suffered a 5-3 defeat against Manchester United.

 

That FA Cup victory was Chelsea’s first major trophy in 26 years, yet it did not secure his position. Despite the team sitting second in the Premiership and advancing to the quarter-finals of both domestic cup competitions, he was dismissed the following season.

 

At the time, reports suggested his departure stemmed from a dispute over compensation with the club’s board, a claim Gullit refuted. He now firmly asserts that his removal was politically motivated rather than performance-related.

 

“It was bizarre then, and it still is, to be sacked while achieving success,” he remarked.

 

“In the end, the truth surfaced. My dismissal had nothing to do with football; it was about behind-the-scenes figures attempting to negotiate deals I opposed.

 

“Those individuals were later removed, but by then, the damage was done. Thankfully, the club later took a different direction under Abramovich.”