1997 Mazda 626 replaceing head gasket

Engine Performance problem
1997 Mazda 626 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Manual

im replaceing my head gasket and going to do a tuneup while im doing that, im having a problem getting the spark plug wires off. Is there a trick to gettting them off to get to the plugs they go through the top of the manifold and down through a plastic like sleave the sleaves turn around but they dont want to come out.