Former Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn says a successful season will be down to manager Paolo di Canio.
Di Canio has overseen a hectic summer with eight players released and eight more coming in, including Juventus star Emanuele Giaccherini and Lazio's Modibo Diakite.
Quinn said: "The big question mark is over Di Canio's man-management skills. Will he be able to get the players he has kept to gel with the many new signings he has brought in during the summer.
"That is a big ask because, make no mistake, the Premier League will punish weaknesses."
