Sion's Essam Al-Hadari defended himself after conceding seven goals in three matches, insisting that playing in any European League is much more difficult than playing in Egypt. The Egypt guardian's performances were called into question by local media after failing to keep a clean sheet in three successive games for Swiss side Sion. But Al-Hadari said it was down to the Swiss League's competitiveness rather than a dip in form on his side. "It's an open game in Switzerland. The team which scores does not sit back to defend its lead," he told Al-Hayat channel. "They instead push forward to score more goals, unlike Egypt where teams prefer to defend. That's why there is a high rate of goals in European Leagues." Section of Ahli fans were happy that Al-Hadari did not put in a convincing display in the Swiss League's early stages. Many of Ahli supporters hold grudge against the 35-year-old, who joined Sion without taking their club's consent. They call Al-Hadari, who helped Ahli win a host of trophies during a 12-year spell, 'the fugitive keeper'.
