[goldenHuddlestone]

Athletic Bilbao coach Jose Manuel Esnal has decided to step down a day after steering the Basque club to survival in the top flight.

Athletic Bilbao coach Jose Manuel Esnal has decided to step down a day after steering the Basque club to survival in the top flight.
The 57-year-old, who is known simply as "Mane" in Spain, said he had made the decision to clear the way for the club's presidential elections in July.

"I didn't want to get drawn into the electoral process and be linked with any particular candidate," he said.

"I'm proud to have worked for Athletic with all my heart.

Mane took charge of the team after Felix Sarriugarte was sacked in November when the club was in the relegation zone.

Athletic, who have never been out of the top flight, finished a point above the relegation zone after a 2-0 victory at home to Levante on Sunday.