Ruud Gullit, Chelsea manager just over a decade ago, believes his former club have made a good decision in giving the job to Luiz Felipe Scolari.

The Dutch legend, who originally moved to Stamford Bridge as a player in 1995 before becoming player-manager a year later, is now in charge at LA Galaxy in the United States, but even from California he still takes an interest in events back in London.

'He is the right choice at the moment,' Gullit has said on the Scolari appointment. 'I think he is a passionate coach, he does everything with the heart.

'He tries to win with good football, and he did that with the Brazilian national team
and with Portugal, so he knows how to play.'

Gullit, who ended Chelsea's 26-year wait for serious silverware by managing us to the FA Cup in 1997, appreciates the job is very different to the one in his day but sees that as no obstacle to the new man.

'He has had the Brazilian national team and they are all big stars also, so he will be able to deal with that. He has the experience. It is a big task, but he won the World Cup and he knows how to deal with big tasks.

'I think any coach who comes in new needs to have time, you cannot expect immediate results. It will take time to adjust, but I think he will do well.'

The Dutch national team that Gullit captained to the European Championship title 20 years ago exited Euro 2008 on Saturday when beaten 3-1 by Russia after extra time.

The result ends Khalid Boulahrouz's participation; the Chelsea defender who spent last season on loan in Spain starting the game despite the death of his new-born daughter earlier in the week. He was replaced at right-back after 54 minutes.