Manuel Sarriugarte
The Basque architect who led Alavés to a miraculous UEFA Cup final and secured Lleida's ascent to La Liga.
José Manuel Esnal Pardo, commonly known as Mané, is a Spanish football manager born on 25 March 1950 in Balmaseda, Basque Country. His career is defined by deep roots in the north, with his most significant work occurring at Lleida and Deportivo Alavés. While he began coaching in his late twenties with his hometown club, his legacy was cemented during a five-year spell with Alavés in La Liga. This period culminated in one of Spanish football's most dramatic European finals in 2001. Mané guided the team through promotion and established them as consistent top-flight contenders, earning him the Don Balón award for Spanish Manager of the Year.
- Born
- 25 March 1950
- Birthplace
- Balmaseda, Basque Country
- Key Club Achievements
- UEFA Cup runner-up (Alavés, 2000–01), La Liga promotion (Lleida, 1988–1992)
- Manager of the Year
- Don Balón Spanish Manager of the Year (2000–01)
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Mané's journey began in his native region before he returned to Catalonia in 1988 to join UE Lleida. In a remarkable four-year stint, he elevated the club from Segunda División B to the top flight. The 1993–94 season remains iconic; despite suffering relegation, the team secured historic victories against giants FC Barcelona and Real Madrid at Camp d'Esports, winning 2–1 against the latter. After a brief spell with Levante UD and RCD Mallorca, Mané returned to Deportivo Alavés in 1997. His second tenure there was transformative: he led them to the league championship in the third division and guided the senior side to its best-ever La Liga finish of sixth place in 1999–2000. This season featured stunning wins over Barcelona (both home and away) and a victory over eventual champions Deportivo de La Coruña, securing UEFA Cup qualification.
In Their Own Story
The pinnacle of Mané's career occurred during the 2000–01 UEFA Cup final against Liverpool. Facing elimination after falling behind 3–1, Alavés mounted a spirited comeback to force extra time. The match ended in heartbreak only when defender Delfí Geli scored an own goal in the dying seconds of extra time, denying Mané's side the trophy. Despite this narrow loss, the achievement was monumental for the club, having previously ousted Inter Milan and Rayo Vallecano on their European run. Mané returned Alavés to Europe for a second consecutive year with a seventh-place finish in 2001–02. However, his tenure ended abruptly on 29 April 2003 following a 3–0 away defeat to Valencia CF. Replaced by Jesús Aranguren, the team was relegated shortly after, concluding a five-year stay in the top flight.
Reader's Guide
For fans tracking Mané's career path, his ability to navigate promotion and European competition stands out. After his Alavés chapter ended, he returned to Levante UD, helping them promote to the top tier in 2006 after a one-year absence. His next move saw him replace the sacked Félix Sarriugarte at Athletic Bilbao. During this stint, the Lions finished 17th, just outside the relegation zone, yet Mané was not offered a contract extension following the election of new president Fernando García Macua; Joaquín Caparrós took over instead. His final managerial role came in the 2008–09 campaign at RCD Espanyol, where he served as one of three coaches to successfully avoid relegation.
Did You Know?
- Mané took Lleida to La Liga in just four years after joining them from Segunda División B in 1988.
- During a relegation season at Lleida (1993–94), the team defeated Real Madrid 2–1 and Barcelona 1–0 away, yet only recorded five other wins all season.
- In the 2001 UEFA Cup final, Alavés came back from a 3–1 deficit against Liverpool before losing on an own goal by Delfí Geli in extra time.
- Mané was replaced at Athletic Bilbao not for poor results (they finished 17th), but due to a new club president bringing in Joaquín Caparrós.
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