Ruud Gullit on his turbulent but ultimately “magnificent” relationship with Chelsea captain Dennis Wise

During his managerial career, Ruud Gullit secured a single major piece of silverware, which was hoisted by his team captain, Dennis Wise.

Following an iconic playing journey highlighted by winning the Ballon d’Or alongside two European Cups, Gullit arrived at Chelsea as a player in 1995, before stepping into the managerial hot seat twelve months later when Glenn Hoddle departed to lead the England national team.

The Dutch tactician spent approximately a year and a half at the helm of Stamford Bridge, leading the Blues to FA Cup glory in 1997, which ended the club’s 26-year drought for a major trophy.

The Period Gullit Coached Wise

Having joined the Chelsea ranks in 1990, Wise was 29 years old when Gullit assumed managerial duties six years down the line. Despite earning 12 caps for England, he was never a permanent fixture in the national setup and missed out on selection for Euro 96.

The central midfielder harbored doubts regarding whether the incoming boss would benefit his career.

“Our initial relationship was tense because Dennis believed I would prioritize signing and starting overseas talent,” Gullit shared.

“I made my expectations clear to him, saying, ‘I need you to show your true technical quality on the pitch, rather than acting like a reckless brawler who collects endless bookings and sendings-off.'”

“I welcomed him to my house for an honest conversation. I told him, ‘If you perform at the level I know you are capable of, you will get back into the England team.’ He actually burst out laughing!”

That October, Chelsea made the trip to face Leicester in a Premier League fixture, during which Wise was substituted at the interval.

“Not long after our discussion, I hooked him at halftime during a game against Leicester where we trailed 1-0 despite him being captain, and we managed to stage a comeback to win 3-1,” Gullit recalled in an interview with NY Sports Day. “He was absolutely livid and gave me the silent treatment for a fortnight!”

“In the end, a shared acquaintance from my golfing circle advised Dennis that he was misinterpreting my intentions and recommended that we have an open talk. He followed that advice, and everything fell into place after that.”

“When he concentrated on his footballing ability, Dennis Wise was a superb player. I laid down a challenge to him: ‘You either show the quality I know you have, or you will find yourself on the bench, armband or not.’ He decided to adjust his style, and he was absolutely exceptional for the team.”