The figure of José Manuel Esnal Pardo, known in the football world as Mané, arrived in Lleida on December 28, 1988, as a relatively unknown coach. His prior experience included promoting Figueres to Segunda División, after leaving a decade-long career in financial holding. It was president Mario Duran who signed him to replace Koldo Aguirre and try to avoid relegation to Segunda B, a goal that ultimately could not be achieved.

Despite the relegation, Mané promised to return the club to the lost category. He completely restructured the team, combining veteran players, young prospects, and academy talents such as Rubio, Palau, and Bartolo. This strategy yielded immediate results, achieving promotion to Segunda División in his first full season. Subsequently, Lleida consolidated its position, finishing sixth and fifth in the following seasons, until becoming champions in the 1992-1993 campaign, thus achieving their second promotion to Primera División, after the one in the 1949-1950 season.

Staying in the top flight was narrowly missed, but Lleida again played a promotion playoff against Sporting de Gijón, where a single goal prevented them from repeating the feat. After this return match, Mané left Camp d'Esports. His career continued with notable successes, achieving two more promotions to Primera División with Alavés (1997-1998) and Levante (2005-2006). In Vitoria, he is especially remembered for leading the Babazorro team to the UEFA Cup final (1998-1999), where they lost to Liverpool due to an own goal in extra time.

Currently, Mané is retired from football, but the city of Lleida still believes he is owed a well-deserved tribute for his historical contribution to the club and the city.