 He was later in charge of an Azadegan League side, Bargh Tehran from 2001 to 2002 where he could not lead his team to the promotion play-off, despite collecting 31 points in 20 matches.He faced Persepolis in the Hazfi Cup where Persepolis defeated his team 1–2 in extra time.After serving as the Esteghlal's interim head coach in 5 matches in spring 2002 and winning the Hazfi cup with this team, he was appointed as Esteghlal's assistant coach for the next season (2002–03).