Q: Why do you think Bayern managed to win the Bundesliga with such ease?
A: It's a combination of teams like Schalke and Dortmund being slow to find their best form and Bayern being the most prepared. Their large squad combined with the immediate influence of Guardiola gave them a fresh start. Players wanted to prove themselves to their new coach and they still had the momentum from the season before.
Q:What went wrong for Hyypia at Leverkusen?
A: It's not an easy answer. On one hand Hyypia had a fantastic first half of the season. On the other he failed to regroup the players during their bad slump after the winter break. The criticism is that he was not as hands on as other coaches and isolated some players but individual player form certainly didn't help him either.
Q: Nicest ground in the Bundesliga?
A: Has to be the Allianz Arena. Combination of classic atmosphere with modern amenities and design.
Q: Most improved player in the Bundesliga?
A: Good question. I'm going to go a little more obscure here and say Halil Altintop. His tactical role changed and he has been fantastic for Augsburg coming back from Turkey. A real surprise but crucial to their great season.
Q: Which German youngster do you rate the highest?
A: Probably Max Meyer right now. 18 but already established first choice at a Champions League club. He can play anywhere in attack, mature beyond his years and looks more comfortable on the ball than players with 10+ experience.
Q: The most improved team in the Bundesliga and why?
A: Augsburg without a doubt. A relegation contender in the last two years and now fighting for a European spot. Improved defensively and offensively and has some of the standout players of the season.
Q: Your choice for manager of the year in the Bundesliga and why?
A: Markus Weinzierl is probably the most accomplished given his circumstances but Pep Guardiola for me. Kept his side motivated to win league earlier than anyone else. Broke several records along the way and effectively changed how the team plays.
Q: Most influential German in the Bundesliga this season?
A: Going to say Philipp Lahm just because his tactical role has changed to the point that Jogi Low is now considering doing it for the national team. Influential is very broad however and coaches are probably more influential than players.
Q: Who would be your signing of the season and why?
A: Raffael. Was reborn when reunited with Lucien Favre at Gladbach. One of the best players of the season and a big part of their push for the Champions League.
Q: Your favourite era of German football and why?
A: I could say the 1970s but I was not around to see it so I'll say the mid to late 1990s when I really started paying attention to the game. A budding Dortmund, a Bayern on the rise, a super entertaining Stuttgart. Fantastic, dramatic, a soap opera and a great example of why the Bundesliga is so special.
Q:Which do you prefer; Pep's Bayern or Jupp's Bayern - why?
A: Pep. I've always been a fan of his philosophy. He's an innovator and a philosopher. He thinks beyond the game and always outside the box.
Q:Is Neuer capable of being better then Oliver Kahn?
A: Potentially. But he'll need to achieve some kind of success with Germany. Kahn never won a trophy as a starter for Germany but some of his best performances were in goal for the NT.
Q: If there was one thing you could introduce in to the Bundesliga, what would it be?
A: Not so much introduce but to encourage. And that's an outward thinking approach in terms of marketing and promotion the brand/product outside their own borders.
Q: How would the relegation of HSV affect the German game and the club itself? Would they be able to persuade players such as Van der Vaart to stay?
A: The club will probably have to restructure, change the board, potentially get rid of their chairman and sell a lot of their star players. It could be the wakeup call they need though. As for the Bundesliga, they are getting back another traditional club in Koln so they won't be affected too much.
Q: How do you think Koln will fair next year?
A: Much better than they did last time around, that's for sure. They have a better squad, a better manager and players in the right form. Who knows, if they somehow manage to persuade Podolski back they could surprise a couple of people.
Q: What would be the best move for Josip Drmic, if at all?
A: Probably remain in the Bundesliga for another year or two at a club like Leverkusen or potentially even Dortmund. He needs consistent playing time and the chance to play in Europe to develop properly. Arsenal would be a step too soon at this point and the Bundesliga suits his style of play more.
Q: Will Schalke be a real force to contend with next year?
A: They could very well but. But that's the case almost every season before they encounter internal issues, injuries, coaching changes, etc. They will need to upgrade some positions in the summer and hold on to Draxler. If they can do that they will def challenge Dortmund and Bayern from start to finish.
Q: Your most entertaining player in the Bundesliga this season and why?
A: I'm going to say Marco Reus. At his best he is unplayable in the same way Ribery was and is at his best. He is clever, thinks outside the box and can score and set up others. He is the perfect modern attacker and should probably win Player of the Season.
Q: Who do you think will win the Champions League?
A: Real Madrid. They have been my pick from the start and have gotten better and better as the competition progressed. It's their year the same way it was for Bayern last season.
Q: Off topic - Your funniest moment in recording a video clip?
A: Probably not having my mic on for certain segments. Or setting the light filters in such a way that I looked like a Simpsons character.
VAVEL would like to thank Cristian for taking the time for this interview and we wish him all the best.