Alphari returns to LEC, joins Movistar as assistant coach KOI

November 13th - According to Sheep Esports , former professional top laner Barney “Alphari” Morris will return to the LEC , joining Movistar KOI as an assistant coach. After leaving the professional scene in 2022 , Alphari will begin his coaching career, assisting head coach Tomás “Melzhet” Campelos in preparing for the new season.

This isn't Alphari's first time coaching. Last year, he served as a position coach at G2 Esports , helping top laner Broken Blade improve his laning skills. During his professional career, Alphari played for Misfits Gaming , Origen , and Team Vitality , and also won the 2021 Lock-In championship with Team Liquid in the LCS . After a three-year hiatus from competitive play, he has returned to Europe, bringing his experience to Movistar KOI 's coaching staff.

For the upcoming 2026 season, Movistar KOI has maintained its core roster while making adjustments to its coaching staff. After extensive evaluation, the team ultimately selected Alphari as assistant coach. During the selection process, the team also considered Pablo “Gaax” Pérez , Eric “Independent” Ruiz , Víctor “Machuki” Segura , and former rival Andrei “Odoamne” Pascu, among others.

Movistar KOI aims to lay a solid foundation for the team's long-term development by strengthening its coaching staff and has already begun contract renewal negotiations with some players, striving to maintain its core competitiveness. The addition of Alphari brings the team a wealth of match experience and a European competitive perspective, adding new strategic depth to KOI in the new season.