"Fans gathered outside the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Spanish capital on Saturday voiced a mix of hope, caution and frustration following the appointment of former club defender Alvaro Arbeloa as Real Madrid's new head coach. As supporters queued at stadium entrances and posed for photos ahead of the clash with Levante, many stressed that patience would be crucial after recent setbacks. "We'll see if they manage to turn the direction around a bit," a fan said, referring to the recent defeat in Albacete. Several supporters said a change had become unavoidable after tensions in the dressing room. "Real Madrid had to do something, because with Xavi the dressing room wasn't working," a fan said. "Let's see if with Arbeloa things finally start. Let's see if we have more luck and we make a change." Others, however, questioned whether the decision had come too quickly. "I think they should have been more patient with Xavi," another supporter argued, noting that early results under previous coaches had been comparable. Despite doubts, many emphasised loyalty to the new coach and belief in the squad. "Like every Madridista, we have to trust Arbeloa," a supporter said. "You have to hope he lifts the team, that Vinicius and Bellingham recover confidence. We have a team to lift this - and Madrid will always come back." Some fans defended the club's choice as necessary under the circumstances. "I think it is a correct decision," one said. "If the objectives weren't being met, then a change had to be made and a turn given to the situation." Real Madrid went on to secure a victory over Levante U.D. from Valencia at the Santiago Bernabeu, offering Arbeloa a winning start ahead of the second part of the La Liga season."