Ruud Gullit believes that Roman Abramovich has the right to appoint whomever he wants as the Chelsea manager because it is "his club".

Blues supporters openly expressed his disappointment at the sacking of Roberto Di Matteo and the subsequent appointment of Rafael Benitez during the side's goalless draw with Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

"Abramovich [has done] a great job at Chelsea," said Gullit. "Development, new training ground, trophies, he also brought them trophies. So for that reason you cannot blame him.

"But sometimes it's a hard cookie to swallow in the way things happen. But it's his club, he can do what he likes.

"I'm afraid [what] the consequences can be, publicly-wise about Chelsea. Because I love Chelsea, I love the way the club has evolved, [but] now you have to work hard to get your sympathy back."

Gullit played for Chelsea between 1995 and 1998.