On the eve of the national derby, Rashford participated in Barcelona's official live broadcast program and accepted online questions from the host and fans.
First of all, you just finished training, how do you feel?
Rashford: Very smooth. We are preparing with all our strength to win this game. The process is the same as usual: rest and recover after the last game, then formulate a plan, listen to the coaching staff's deployment, follow the head coach's arrangements, and work hard to win.
Following Flick is always the right answer! You mentioned the game in midweek. In the 6-1 victory, you scored twice, Fermin scored, and Yamal scored from the penalty kick. How important is this victory for the El Clasico?
Rashford: There is no doubt that we need as much positive energy as possible. And winning and scoring a lot of goals is the best way. We are ready and looking forward to this game. It’s my first El Clasico, it’s probably the biggest game in football history and it will be an extraordinary moment to be part of it.
Contributed 5 goals and 6 assists in 12 games. What is the secret of success?
Rashford: I think the team is so good, I just need to appear in the right area and make the right decisions. I will keep working hard but the team is not at its peak yet and we are in a good position and have to keep pushing ourselves to be the best version of ourselves because at our best we are one of the top teams. The manager is very demanding and we have more to achieve this season.
Excited for the derby?
Rashford: Of course! Someone asked me if I was excited or nervous. I said: My career as a player is not long, and the first thing I miss most is this kind of competition. So I'm excited and just want to give it my best and try to win, it's going to be a special moment.
What is your favorite goal since joining Barcelona?
Rashford: To be honest, it might be his first goal. Not necessarily the best to watch, but the first goal is always special. I hope to score more goals and will continue to work hard.
Do you prefer to play center or winger?
Rashford: It depends on the opponent. I like to occupy spaces that defenders don't want to cover, sometimes in the middle, sometimes out wide. It's hard to choose, most of the time I like playing wide, but sometimes I miss playing in the middle.
What is your first El Clasico memory?
Rashford: As a Manchester native, this is not the biggest local game, but the most watched matchup in the world. I grew up watching all the classic derbies and it was a must for learning how top players perform under high pressure. What impressed me most was Messi’s early Derby hat-trick. This kind of game can be enjoyed without the home team’s stance, which is special.
If you could describe El Clasico in one word?
Rashford: Special.
Do you like life in Spain? Who are you closest to in the team?
Rashford: Enjoyed it very much! The weather is the most obvious change. I'm learning new things every day, I'm having a great time, and I hope to stay here for a long time. Rooney (Badji) is the closest to him in the team, as are Kounde and De Jong... In fact, the whole team has such a harmonious atmosphere that it's hard to single out one player.
After experiencing various battles in the Premier League, how intense do you expect the derby to be?
Rashford: Like any derby or big game, the atmosphere will be electric. But in the end quality on the field is everything. I try to stay calm in games like this because it’s hard to do that under high pressure. Controlling the game is important for the team, but we are here for this and will not be afraid of it, but look forward to this challenge.
Now let’s take a look at this special jersey printed with the logo of Ed Sheeran’s new album “Play”. This is Spotify’s seventh Derby jersey. What do you think?
Rashford: Great! Ed is a top musician and his jersey design is more fashionable. It means a lot to be able to wear this in a competition.
Interestingly, you were born in Manchester and he is from West Yorkshire, just an hour's drive away! Ed also said you were his favorite Barcelona player.
Rashford: He is biased (laughing)! But we met a few times and he was very good. This collaboration is amazingly creative and wearing this jersey in Derby is special.
I hope the jersey brings good luck! What’s your favorite Ed song?
Rashford: "Shape of You", although it is a bit mainstream, it is indeed a good song. He has so many hits in the UK, and it’s been a tough road for him, and I can sympathize with his struggle.
Have you met before?
Rashford: I’ve seen him a few times.
Now enter the "Derby Ultimate Two Choice" quick questions and answers!
Hat trick hero vs countdown kill?
Rashford: Can the team win if I wear a hat-trick? (Host: Of course!) Then I choose a hat trick.
The crotchless goalkeeper vs the goalkeeper?
Rashford: Crotch-piercing!
6-2 away win over Real Madrid vs 5-0 at home?
Rashford: 5-0 zero seal at home!
Barb vs free kick?
Rashford: Free kick. The hook requires specific timing and I don't like shots that aren't sure.
You almost scored the free kick at the center post! Now please share your derby day routine.
Rashford: Get up 45 minutes before breakfast, open the curtains to relax, and eat oatmeal and eggs after taking a shower. Afterwards, we have a tactical meeting, then go back to our room to rest, and occasionally take a nap. Take a second shower before a game meal (host: twice a day!) and eat pasta or protein. I started listening to music on the bus, a mixed playlist of American/British rap, R&B, and Afrobeat.
British food vs Spanish food
Rashford: Choose Spanish food! Maybe because of the novelty, I haven’t tried all the restaurants yet, but I’m enjoying it so far..
Do you like seafood?
Rashford: Yes!
Are you learning Spanish?
Rashford: Working hard! My teammates often help me, but now it’s getting harder and harder to learn. I don’t have fixed class hours, I just study as much as I have time.
Will the next interview be conducted in Spanish? Now please say a few words to the members!
Rashford: Sincerely thank you all for your support from the beginning of the season to now! It's my honor to answer your questions.