OneFootball
·3 March 2026
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·3 March 2026
Adama Traoré, West Ham forward, needs to be less "Ramon Dino" and more "chicken", according to his own coach, Nuno Espírito Santo.
The Portuguese coach revealed that the player has been banned from lifting weights at the Hammers' training center in Rush Green.
The decision is due to Traoré's muscular physique, which Nuno described as "pure genetics".
His genetics have been like this for some time, and he should avoid the gym. I told him to stay away from there. It's one of the things he needs to understand. He already carries enough weight. He can do preventive work, but no weight lifting.
Nuno Espírito Santo also joked about the situation of a young talent from the Hammers' academy, who would be a bit too "chicken".
"For example, Airidas Golambeckis (an 18-year-old U21 defender) spends hours in the gym. We need to put weight on him! He's the one who needs muscles. It's the opposite situation," Nuno joked.
Traoré, 30, joined West Ham in the January transfer window, signed permanently from Fulham.
It's worth noting that the Spaniard had already worked with Nuno Espírito Santo at Wolverhampton between 2018 and 2021.
Understanding the Controversy
The controversy over Traoré's training began shortly before the 5-2 defeat to Liverpool last Saturday, according to a report by The Athletic.
Teammate Crysencio Summerville posted a video on social media showing Traoré sitting on a weight bench.
The Spaniard denied using the equipment.
Seeking Opportunities
Despite having played 15 matches for Fulham this season, Traoré has yet to start for West Ham in the Premier League.
He was one of five January signings, joining Pablo Felipe, Taty Castellanos, Axel Disasi, and Keiber Lamadrid.
While Castellanos and Disasi have already shown a positive impact (and Felipe is recovering from a calf injury), Traoré has been limited to coming on during games against Chelsea, Burnley, Manchester United, and Liverpool.
His only start was in the extra-time victory over Burton Albion (from League One) in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Even with the limited minutes, Nuno is pleased with the player's adaptation.
"Traoré is unique. There aren't many players in world football with his skill, speed, and ability in one-on-one situations," praised the coach.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.
📸 Justin Setterfield - 2026 Getty Images
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