RUUD GULLIT hopes Chelsea's Europa League experience can act as a springboard to more Champions League success.
The Blues face Romanian title-holders Steaua Bucharest in the last-16 of the competition tomorrow night.
Many Chelsea fans were left disappointed with their side's failed defence of the Champions League crown they won last season.
But Gullit reckons it is crucial his old team remain focused on the Europa League.
He said: "Chelsea have to do well. The Europa League is a stepping stone for teams to do well later on in the Champions League.
"It is difficult but you cannot afford to lose it and get out early so Chelsea have to play their best.
"The Champions League is obviously a higher level but it is important for any team to have other experiences in Europe as well."
Gullit, 50, would be surprised if Chelsea retained the services of interim boss Benitez come the end of the season ? even if they go on to win the Europa League.
And he also reckons his old club will ultimately team up with Jose Mourinho.
He said: "My feeling says that Mourinho is coming back, that is my gut instinct.
"I don't know if that is true but it is my feeling."
Despite keeping a keen eye on Chelsea, the ex-Blues boss says it is impossible to draw comparisons between the side he managed with the club as it is now under Abramovich.
He said: "You cannot compare Chelsea now to when I was a manager.
"In my day, very few big players were coming to the club. Now the fans are used to seeing good players come here.
"Chelsea has become more of a club where people need to win prizes. The fans are spoilt, they want more, and that is normal."
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