 With that domestic run now in jeopardy, APOEL have made the move to replace Donis with the Portuguese coach.Donis was appointed on 3 July 2018 as the new manager of his former club as a player, Panathinaikos, signing a three-year contract.On 30 May 2020, he was informed by club chairman Giannis Alafouzos of his impending dismissal after the end of the Superleague playoffs, a decision made due to the manager's strenuous relationship with the Panathinaikos board.