Jeremain Lens is satisfied that Sunderland have quickly acted on Sam Allardyce's departure.
The 61-year-old has left the Black Cats to take over as England manager which could have left a gaping hole on Wearside.
However, Sunderland immediately appointed David Moyes as 'Big Sam's' replacement which has been welcomed by winger Lens who is keen for a fast start in 2016/17 following last season's tardy beginning under Dick Advocaat.
"It's going to be important to get points in the first games because we weren't able to do that last year," said the Dutchman.
"We don't want to be struggling at the end again. That is the most important thing as we look ahead.
"We want to start the new season like we finished the last one. It's good to have a new manager quickly because everyone was disappointed when we heard Sam was leaving.
"We couldn't afford to be waiting for a couple of weeks because it's not too long until the start of the season."
Ahead of Sunderland's trio of friendlies against French clubs, which kicks off against FC Stade Nyonnais on Monday, Lens added: "The new manager has some good things to work with.
"Individually, we have always had really good high-quality players and Sam made a good group out of us.
"Now, it is up to the new manager to keep that up, and maybe do even better than Sam did."