Chelsea legend John Terry admits he's 'GUTTED' after Mauricio Pochettino's exit... and warns what the club must avoid doing before finding a replacement at Stamford Bridge

John Terry has issued Chelsea a warning following Mauricio Pochettino's sudden departure from the club.  

The Argentine left the club by 'mutual consent' after a single season in charge, having spent the last two days locked in talks with the club’s dissatisfied hierarchy.

Pochettino and Chelsea had enjoyed a much improved run of form towards the end of the campaign, as they finished off with five consecutive victories, to ensure a sixth place finish and European football next season. 

But Chelsea fell short of the ultimate goal of securing Champions League football, and the 52-year-old's contract was cut short with a year left to run.  

Chelsea legend Terry has revealed his disappointment over Pochettino's departure, while also warning the club what they must avoid doing before finding a replacement.

In a post to his Instagram story, Terry wrote that he was gutted to see Pochettino, the Argentine's son Sebastiano (fitness coach) and assistant Jesus Perez leave Stamford Bridge.

He added: 'I just hope we don't sign or sell any players until we get a manager in.'

Chelsea insiders say they are now targeting a ‘young, progressive’ head coach as a replacement, with Ipswich's Kieran McKenna – also wanted by Brighton – one of those under serious consideration.

The Blues have spent more than £1bn during the Todd Boehly era of the club, to very little success so far. 

Last summer alone the Blues had a turnover of 40 players, signing 12 and offloading 28 during Pochettino's first transfer window at the club. 

After finishing 12th last season, Chelsea under Pochettino looked to be on their way to a similar place in the standings this term after a frustrating first-half of the season.

But only Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool scored more points in the league than Chelsea in the second-half of the campaign. 

Terry, who was recently inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame, this month had urged Chelsea's owners to be 'patient' with Pochettino.

'I think (Pochettino) has done well,' Terry told the Mirror while participating in Padel Aid. 'It was always going to be difficult right from the outset - we were a very young group of players from the outset.

'There were a lot of signings and a big clear-out in the summer of not only players but staff as well. There was a big turnaround and obviously Poch is new in the door.

'I have seen him work, I love the way he works, I love the way he is with the players. He certainly needs a bit of time.

'And I think we have seen that in the last couple of weeks, the better performances we have seen, the players growing into their roles and feeling like they belong at Chelsea as well. That is also going to take time and I just think we need to be patient. I think every club needs stability.'

At the end of last month, Mail Sport reported that plans to sack Pochettino would run the risk of a dressing room backlash due to their relationship with the manager.

Players poured onto social media to pay tribute to Pochettino, including Nicolas Jackson, who posted a picture of himself and his former manager with two emojis of a man putting his face in his hands - expressing his disappointment over his departure.  

His second Instagram Story caption read: 'Love you coach. Wish we could stay together more (hand-over-face emoji). 

'But may God continue to bless you and your family. Thanks for the advices and support, you're a true lion and a fighter, wish you all the best (heart emoji).'

Chelsea's £115m record signing Moises Caicedo also appeared to show regret over the decision as he posted a picture of himself shaking Pochettino's hand and wrote: 'Mister! It was a pleasure (tearful emoji). 

'I wish you all the best for the future! What a person and what a coach (blue heart emoji).'