He subsequently returned to Athens, Greece to coach Olympiacos C.F.P., earning the championship title in 1987. He also coached Aris FC from 1987– 1990 and Levadiakos from 1991–1992. He returned as head coach of the Greek National Football team in 1992 and led the team to its first appearance in a World Cup in 1994. Although he was very popular among Greek fans at the time, the dreadful performance of the National Team in the World Cup was perceived largely as a national disgrace and he attracted widespread criticism. He coached Iraklis FC in 1997 and coached Aris Thessaloniki F.C. from 1998– 1999.