2025-08-23, 08:05 PM - Word count:
Transcript from an interview with Atletico Medellin’s new player, Lucas Peixoto
Luis Villegas, Atletico Medellin beat reporter for El Colombiano: Welcome, Lucas. You’re days away from making your debut with Atletico Medellin. How has your adjustment to Colombia fared?
Peixoto: I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity but it has been a journey. I’ve lived at sea level my entire life, San Diego, San Jose, Lisbon, Valencia. I’ve played at altitude before but these past few weeks have been the hardest conditioning of my life. First few days I had about 15 minutes of feeling fine before my lungs started to feel the effects. Heavy legs as well, just couldn’t get the same amount of work in but I’m better acclimated now.
Villegas: Did the club’s staff prepare you for the adjustment to a higher altitude?
Peixoto: Yeah, I was warned. (laughs) We did some fitness tests and reduced the training loads., but it was still an adjustment when I first got out on the pitch. Ball definitely moves a bit different, misjudged a few crosses because they carried more.
Villegas: Has that affected your confidence? Especially with a short season before the SSL draft.
Peixoto: (laughs) Absolutely not. I learned quickly to pace myself a little at the beginning of matches. I’m confident that this experience will better prepare me in the future.
Villegas: Does that mean we won’t see you waving frantically before half time for a sub?
Peixoto: Absolutely not. I’ll be out there all 90 minutes, I pride myself on my work rate.
Villegas: You’ve had other more recent additions to Atletico Medellin. Have you offered any of them advice about adjusting?
Peixoto: Just told them it can take a few weeks, control your breathing, stay hydrated, be smart about your runs, and you will be better for it.
Villegas: Thanks for your time Lucas, just one last question. What message do you want to relay to the fans of Medellin who know they only get to watch you for one season?
Peixoto: Just want to say thank you for the opportunity and the support. (laughs) When I’m gasping for air I’ll need the roar of the stadium to give me a second wind.
Luis Villegas, Atletico Medellin beat reporter for El Colombiano: Welcome, Lucas. You’re days away from making your debut with Atletico Medellin. How has your adjustment to Colombia fared?
Peixoto: I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity but it has been a journey. I’ve lived at sea level my entire life, San Diego, San Jose, Lisbon, Valencia. I’ve played at altitude before but these past few weeks have been the hardest conditioning of my life. First few days I had about 15 minutes of feeling fine before my lungs started to feel the effects. Heavy legs as well, just couldn’t get the same amount of work in but I’m better acclimated now.
Villegas: Did the club’s staff prepare you for the adjustment to a higher altitude?
Peixoto: Yeah, I was warned. (laughs) We did some fitness tests and reduced the training loads., but it was still an adjustment when I first got out on the pitch. Ball definitely moves a bit different, misjudged a few crosses because they carried more.
Villegas: Has that affected your confidence? Especially with a short season before the SSL draft.
Peixoto: (laughs) Absolutely not. I learned quickly to pace myself a little at the beginning of matches. I’m confident that this experience will better prepare me in the future.
Villegas: Does that mean we won’t see you waving frantically before half time for a sub?
Peixoto: Absolutely not. I’ll be out there all 90 minutes, I pride myself on my work rate.
Villegas: You’ve had other more recent additions to Atletico Medellin. Have you offered any of them advice about adjusting?
Peixoto: Just told them it can take a few weeks, control your breathing, stay hydrated, be smart about your runs, and you will be better for it.
Villegas: Thanks for your time Lucas, just one last question. What message do you want to relay to the fans of Medellin who know they only get to watch you for one season?
Peixoto: Just want to say thank you for the opportunity and the support. (laughs) When I’m gasping for air I’ll need the roar of the stadium to give me a second wind.
