West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo has instructed Adama Traore not to lift weights at the club’s training base, saying the winger already possesses enough natural strength.
Nuno described the 30-year-old’s physique as “incredible” and attributed it to genetics but stressed that the Spaniard should avoid additional gym sessions focused on building muscle.
Although Traoré had previously suggested he did not work with weights, teammate Crysencio Summerville shared footage online of him bench-pressing 145kg at Rush Green last week.
Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s Premier League trip to Fulham, Nuno clarified that Traoré will still complete injury-prevention exercises in the gym but will not take part in strength training.
Manager contrasts Traoré with young defender
The Portuguese coach explained that Traore already carries sufficient bulk and does not need to add more.
To illustrate his point, Nuno referenced Under-21s defender Airidas Golambeckis, who spends extended periods working in the gym in order to increase his physical presence.
According to Nuno, Golambeckis requires added muscle, whereas Traore’s situation is the opposite.
Winger adapting after january switch
Traore featured 20 times in all competitions for Fulham earlier this campaign before sealing a January transfer to West Ham in a deal worth up to £2m.
Since arriving, he has made four substitute appearances in the Premier League and started only once, in the FA Cup fourth-round victory against League One side Burton Albion.
Nuno, who previously worked with Traore at Wolves, believes the forward’s opportunity will arrive as West Ham continue their fight to avoid relegation.
He highlighted the winger’s pace, dribbling ability and effectiveness in one-on-one situations, calling him a rare talent. The manager added that time is needed for Traoré to adjust to the team’s style but pointed to his experience in England and recent involvement with Spain as evidence of his quality.