West Ham United manager Nuno Espírito Santo has dropped a bombshell on Adama Traoré’s training regime, ordering the winger to stay out of the gym. Despite Traoré recently being filmed bench-pressing a staggering 145kg, his manager believes the 30-year-old is already carrying enough muscle for the Premier League relegation scrap.
The decision comes just days before a massive London derby against Traoré’s former club, Fulham. Nuno, who previously managed the speedster at Wolverhampton Wanderers, is concerned that further hypertrophy could hinder the winger’s primary weapon: his world-class acceleration.
‘It’s Genetics’
Traoré’s physique has been a point of fascination since his days at Barcelona’s La Masia. While many players spend hours building bulk, Traoré has famously claimed in the past that he “doesn’t lift weights”—a claim seemingly debunked by teammate Crysencio Summerville’s recent social media post.
“It’s incredible, it’s genetics. But he should avoid the gym. I’ve told him to stay out… It’s enough weight that he carries.” — Nuno Espírito Santo.
The Mission: Saving West Ham
Traoré joined the Hammers from Fulham in January and is viewed as the “X-factor” that could pull the club out of the drop zone. Despite his limited minutes so far, Nuno is banking on Traoré’s unique attributes to change games:
- Top Speed: Recorded at 37kph, making him one of the fastest players in football history.
- 1v1 Mastery: Nuno describes him as “unique” in his ability to beat defenders in isolated situations.
- The “Bolt” Factor: Traoré once famously claimed he could beat Usain Bolt in a short sprint on grass.
West Ham’s Relegation Battle
The Hammers are currently fighting for survival, and the trip to Craven Cottage is being treated as a “must-win” fixture. With Traoré now restricted to pitch-based drills and cardio, the hope is that a leaner, “lighter” version of the Spaniard will provide the spark West Ham desperately needs.
