Adama Traore has been banned from lifting weights at West Ham’s training ground. West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo issued the ban. Nuno warned that the winger already “carries enough weight”.
Social Media Exposes Traore’s Gym Habits
The ban follows a social media post by Traore’s West Ham teammate, Crysencio Summerville. Summerville posted a video last week asking the Spaniard: “Why you lying? Telling the people ‘I don’t do weights in the gym.'” The video then showed Traore bench-pressing 145kg.
Nuno Explains the Decision
Speaking at a news conference before Wednesday’s Premier League match at Fulham, Nuno discussed Traore’s physique. “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,” said Nuno.
Nuno, who joined the London club in September last year, elaborated on his instructions to the player. “I’ve told him to stay out of the gym. It’s one of the things that I think he needs to realise. It’s enough weight that he carries.”
Nuno clarified the type of gym work Traore will be allowed to do. “He’ll do prevention work [in the gym], but he’s not in there lifting weights.” Nuno contrasted Traore’s situation with that of Under-21s defender Airidas Golambeckis. “For example, [Under-21s defender] Airidas Golambeckis, he spends hours in the gym – we have to get weight on him. He’s the one that needs some muscle, it’s the other way around.”
Traore’s West Ham Opportunity
Traore made 20 appearances for Fulham across all competitions this season. He made a January move to West Ham in a deal worth up to £2m. Since his switch, the Barcelona academy product has been limited to four substitute appearances in the Premier League. His only start for West Ham was in the FA Cup fourth round win over League One Burton Albion.
Nuno, who previously coached Traore when in charge at Wolves, believes the player’s chance will come. He says West Ham are battling for Premier League survival over the final months of the season. “Traore’s unique. There are not many players in world football with his ability, pace and skills in one v 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 dynamic of the team. But he’s proven in England and in the Spain squad not long ago, so we’re talking about a high-level player.”
Traore has made 266 Premier League appearances. He is yet to start a Premier League match for his new club.