Former Liverpool defender Sebastian Coates says Dick Advocaat's presence was key to his permanent move to Sunderland.
The Uruguay international defender became Sunderland's first summer signing when he completed a switch from Liverpool to Wearside yesterday in a deal understood to be worth £2m.
Coates said: “I'm really happy to be here. It is a pleasure for me to come back again.
“I will try to do my best this season and to help the team."
And asked how much influence Advocaat had on the move, he said: “I think it was 90%, because he gave me confidence last year when he came [to the club] and for me it was very important to play and to be involved in the team.
“When the manager came [back], it was very important for me to be here.
“He gives the players confidence, the team, and the supporters.
“When he came we were not in a good moment, so he gave everyone confidence.
“He trusted in the team, that we could get safe and that was important."