According to The Athletic, Nuno Espirito Santo has asked Adama Traore not to lift weights at West Ham United’s Rush Green facility because of his already muscular physique.

Why Nuno wants Traore out of the weights room

Speaking at a press conference ahead of West Ham’s recent Premier League fixture, Nuno explained that the decision is based on Traore’s body type rather than discipline.

“It’s incredible, his muscles, it’s genetics,” the 52 year old Portuguese coach said. “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.”

The comments followed a social media video shared by Crysencio Summerville that showed Traore sitting on a weight bench prior to West Ham’s 5-2 defeat to Liverpool in the Premier League. Traore later indicated he had not been using the equipment.

Read also: Kylian Mbappe had just hit top form – now Real Madrid have a problem

Nuno contrasted Traore’s situation with that of Airidas Golambeckis, an 18 year old defender in the club’s Under 21 setup, who is being encouraged to add muscle.

“For example, Airidas Golambeckis, an 18 year old defender in the U21s, 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.”

Adapting to life in east London

Traore, 30, completed a permanent move to West Ham from Fulham during the January transfer window. He previously worked under Nuno at Wolverhampton Wanderers between 2018 and 2021.

Since arriving in East London, Traore has largely been used from the bench in league matches against Chelsea, Burnley, Manchester United and Liverpool. His only start came in an FA Cup fourth round victory over Burton Albion.

Read also: Premier League boss breaks silence with damning Manchester City statement

Nuno emphasized that squad members who are not in the starting lineup still play a significant role behind the scenes.

“You have to realise the players that are not involved are hugely important for us in terms of preparation and options for the game itself,” he said.

The West Ham manager added that Traore remains a unique attacking option but needs time to adjust to the tactical demands of the team and the competition for places, particularly with Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville performing strongly.

“He’s a talent that we have to take advantage of, but it will take time. He has to adapt. He has to understand many things inside of the dynamic of the team. But he’s proven, not only at Wolves, he’s proven in England in the Spain squad not long ago. So we’re talking about a high level player.

Read also: Kasper Schmeichel finds completely new path after football retirement

“I think the squad has accepted him really well. He has brought new energy to us. We’ve been trying every day to help him. But of course ahead of him he has two players at the top of their game in club captain Jarrod Bowen and Summerville. Traore’s patient enough to realise his chance will come.”

Sources: The Athletic

Read also: Andy Murray reveals one major regret about Nadal and Djokovic