Asked directly if Sanchez had discussed quitting his job with him, Wells told BBC TV Northern Ireland: “What we discussed last night is that for personal reasons he would prefer not to do the post-match interviews.

“I respected that opinion. That is the basis on what we had a conversation.

“I agreed to talk to the media myself. We also agreed we would discuss things more clearly in the morning.”

The IFA are due to release a statement later but Wells stressed: “We are not putting out a statement about his future but about him not attending the post-match interview.

“I have not had that conversation (about his future) with him.

“The speculation has not been started by the IFA but by the media.

“It has been a traumatic week for Lawrie. There has been a lot of presssure following the Iceland game.”

Northern Ireland lost that match 3-0 but recovered superbly to defeat Spain 3-2 at Windsor Park last night.

Sanchez was then seen taking off his jacket and tie and throwing them into the crowd.

Wells added: “I spoke to Lawrie two days ago and as far as I was concerned he was under no pressure from the IFA, me personally or the president (Jim Boyce) with regards to the match against Spain.

“That remains the position.”