Terry Gibson has defended under-scrutiny Real Madrid manager Rafael Benitez - but wonders whether the Spaniard will be given the time to succeed at the Bernabeu.
Real moved to the top of the La Liga standings after a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Levante on Saturday, with goals from Marcelo, Cristiano Ronaldo and Jese sealing the victory.
Yet Benitez, whose tactics have been in the spotlight since he took charge at the Bernabeu, saw his approach - perceived in some quarters to be too defensive - questioned once again.
Gibson admits to being puzzled by "negativity" around the former Liverpool boss but believes the dynamics of his team still need some work.
"I can understand the frustration despite the 3-0 win," Gibson told the La Liga Weekly podcast. "They weren't good at the weekend - something wasn't right.
"Benitez's job is to give them solidity at the back, that's what he can do as a coach; he can organise the back four and their relationship with the goalkeeper.
"Rafa has organised that quite well, it's just getting the balance between defence, midfield and attack.
"The only reason they beat Levante was because they had the quality in the final third. They showed that on three occasions but, if Levante had a touch more quality, the scoreline would have been closer.
"Keylor Navas made some fine saves and Real do have a defensive record second to none - only Athletic Bilbao and Atletico Madrid have scored against them this season.
"It's a difficult one and it puzzles me why the media, in particular, are so negative towards Rafa. I understand he has a negative impression and reputation which isn't really justified."
Real only managed to win the FIFA Club World Cup during Carlo Ancelotti's final season at the helm, with arch rivals Barcelona collecting their second La Liga, Champions League and Copa del Rey treble in six years.
And, having acknowledged the current injury crisis Benitez is dealing with, Gibson questioned whether he would be given the time to end Real's trophy drought amid great expectations.
"Similarly to Manchester United fans, Real fans expect their side to play a certain way - attack, attack, attack," Gibson added.
"While I am not an apologist for Rafa Benitez - I have no relationship with him and have only met him once - they had important players injured, James [Rodriguez] has barely played this season and Gareth Bale came back and went off at half time as a precaution.
"Considering the amount of trophies they have won in recent years, Real should be in a position to win the league in whatever way Benitez sees fit. It just remains to be seen whether he lasts the whole season - there's a big question mark over that.
"Barcelona have dominated things recently and Atletico have won as many titles as Real in the previous six seasons. By hook or by crook, Real Madrid have got to win the league soon to readdress the balance."