London - South African midfielder Steven Pienaar says David
Moyes is looking to build a legacy at Sunderland to ensure the club's long-term
stability.
Moyes joined the Black Cats after a season in Spain with
Real Sociedad following his largely unsuccessful spell as Manchester United
manager.
A decade in charge of Everton is where Moyes built up a solid
reputation as an astute and capable Premier League manager, and that is what
underpins his current mandate.
And Pienaar, who joined Sunderland as a free agent after
being released by Everton, says Moyes' time in Spain has changed him as a
manager.
He told Sky Sports News HQ: "I'd say he's gone a bit
soft! It used to be when you walked in the dressing room you didn't even want
to look at him but now he is more open, more relaxed and calm.
"I think he's changed since going to Spain, and I think
he's learned you need to be more open with the players.
"But he still has got that bite in him! It's good for
the team, he's an honest manager and he wants everyone to work hard for him.
"When he went to Everton, he had to build a team and I
think that's what he wants to do here; to build his own team and get stability
in the long run."
Pienaar, who made his debut as a substitute in the loss to
Middlesbrough, also played in the 1-1 draw with Southampton, the defeat of
Shrewsbury Town and the narrow loss to Tottenham, is looking forward to this
weekend's clash with Crystal Palace.
He said: "We need results and that's what the manager
and players want. It is going to be a tough game because they have good quality
players up front but we just have to deal with them.
"Like the manager said, we have to be confident and
deal with whatever comes our way. We have to go out, pull our sleeves up and
give everything.
"We are going into this game as a cup final for us."