Adama Traoré is no longer allowed to lift weights in the West Ham United gym, in a rare decision made by head coach Nuno Espírito Santo.
According to Nuno, the winger’s physique is already exceptionally powerful due to his genetics, and traditional weightlifting is no longer necessary. Traoré will continue to work out in the gym, but only for preventative exercises.
“His physique is incredible, it’s genetic. He doesn’t need to lift weights. I told him to stay away from the weights room,” Nuno said.
The goal is to protect Traoré’s body and prevent overload. West Ham is relying on his natural qualities: speed and one-on-one power. While the player still needs to adapt to the team’s system, the club is counting on him for the remainder of the season.
Nuno described Traoré’s muscular frame as “incredible” but warned the 30-year-old already “carries enough weight.”
The Spaniard had previously claimed that he did not lift weights. However, teammate Crysencio Summerville posted a video on social media last week showing Traoré bench-pressing 145kg at the club’s training ground in Rush Green.
“It’s incredible [his physique], it’s genetics. [But] his genetics has been like this for some time now and he should avoid the gym,” Nuno said at a news conference ahead of Wednesday’s Premier League match against Fulham.
“I’ve told him to stay out of the gym. It’s one of the things he needs to realise. It’s enough weight that he carries. He’ll do prevention work [in the gym], but he’s not lifting weights.
“For example, [Under-21s defender] Airidas Golambeckis spends hours in the gym we have to get weight on him. He’s the one who needs muscle. It’s the other way around for Traoré.”
Traoré made 20 appearances for Fulham across all competitions this season before moving to West Ham in January in a deal worth up to £2m.
Since joining the Hammers, the Barcelona academy product has been limited to four substitute appearances in the Premier League, making his only start in the FA Cup fourth-round win over League One side Burton Albion.
Nuno, who previously coached Traoré at Wolves, said the winger’s “chance will come” as West Ham battles for Premier League survival in the final months of the season.
“Traoré’s unique. There are not many players in world football with his ability, pace, and skills in one-on-one situations,” Nuno said.
“He’s a talent that we have to take advantage of, but it will take time. He has to adapt and understand the dynamics of the team. But he’s proven in England and with the Spain squad not long ago, so we’re talking about a high-level player.”
