Time is fast running out for West Ham.
Defeat to Liverpool at the weekend means the Hammers remain stuck in the relegation zone with just 10 matches left to rescue their Premier League status.
With survival on the line, standards are tightening — and manager Nuno Espirito Santo is leaving nothing to chance.
That includes making one rather unusual call involving a key attacker.
Nuno Bans Traore from Gym
Adama Traoré has reportedly been told to stay away from heavy weightlifting at West Ham’s training base.
The powerful winger is renowned for his extraordinary physique and has long claimed his muscular build is purely genetic rather than sculpted in the gym. That assertion was recently questioned when teammate Crysencio Summerville shared footage of Traore perched on a weight bench at Rush Green.
In the clip, the Spaniard appeared ready to press an eye-watering 145kg — though he was quick to play down suggestions he was actually lifting it.
Regardless, Nuno has now stepped in to ensure there will be no more bulking up. The manager, who reunited with Traore in January after their time together at Wolverhampton Wanderers, has decided his winger is already carrying more than enough power.
Nuno: “He Needs to Realise…”
Addressing reporters ahead of the trip to Fulham, Nuno explained his reasoning.
“It’s incredible (his muscles), it’s genetics. His genetics has been like this for some time now and he should avoid the gym. 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. He’ll do prevention work (in the gym), but he’s not in there lifting weights.”
Traore’s explosive strength and ability to shrug off defenders are central to his game, but adding further bulk could hinder his agility and sharpness. With West Ham scrapping for survival, Nuno appears determined to keep his winger lean, quick and focused purely on football.
It may feel like a sacrifice for a player famed for his physique — but if it helps preserve Premier League status, it could prove a wise call.
