West Ham Manager Nuno Espirito Santo Bans Powerhouse Adama Traore from Weightlifting to Preserve Agility in Relegation Battle

West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo bans Adama Traore from the gym, citing the winger's "incredible genetics" and the need for agility in the relegation fight.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 3, 2026, 5:51 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Channel News Asia

Genetics Over Gym for the Premier League Powerhouse

In a move to optimize the physical performance of one of the Premier League's most physically imposing players, West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo has prohibited winger Adama Traore from using the club's weight room. Traore, renowned for his immense muscular frame and explosive speed, has long been a subject of fascination regarding his training regimen. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Nuno emphasized that Traore's physique is primarily a product of superior genetics and that further strength training would be counterproductive to his on-field mobility. "It's enough weight that he carries," the manager remarked, signaling a shift toward more specialized, football-focused conditioning.

Social Media Stir and Bench Press Feats

The ban comes shortly after teammate Crysencio Summerville shared a video on social media showcasing Traore's extraordinary strength, specifically capturing the 30-year-old bench-pressing 145 kg. While the footage went viral among fans, it underscored the manager's concern that the player might be over-prioritizing raw power. Nuno, who has a deep understanding of Traore’s capabilities from their time together at Wolves, is eager to ensure the Spaniard remains lean and agile enough to beat defenders in one-on-one situations, which is considered his greatest asset.

A Crucial Asset in the Fight Against Relegation

Traore joined West Ham from Fulham in the January transfer window and has since made four substitute appearances in the league. As the club faces a grueling relegation battle, including a vital upcoming clash against London rivals Fulham, Nuno believes Traore can be a "X-factor" if managed correctly. The manager praised the winger's unique combination of pace and skill, noting that there are few players in world football who can match his raw acceleration. Traore has previously been clocked at speeds of 37kph, a pace that makes him a nightmare for tiring defenders in the closing stages of a match.