I think Pellegrino was signed to provide short term cover and also "teach" the younger defenders a thing or two about zonal marking. Of cos, his lack of pace really exposed his failings during his time at Liverpool.
Rafa likes to give people chance if he believes they are trying and working hard and willing to put in the effort for the team. Having said that, he will replace the player if they are not performing after some time.
1) Henchoz - attitude (this may have happened off the pitch or during training)
2) Pellegrino - willing to play him, he failed as a good-enough defender for EPL and Rafa let him go without extending him at all
3) Crouch - supported him despite his lack of goals and clumsy play during his early Pool games
4) Cisse - no matter whether he is the top Pool scorer or the best striking talent or the fastest player around, he is not going to start if he sulks and refuse to play according to instructions.
5) Traore - Rafa wanted to sell him but Traore pleaded and was willing to play any position. Rafa like this attitude and kelp him.
Some people think that Rafa favours his Spanish armada. But this is clearly not so if he thinks they do not fit his requirement.
1) Nunez - shipped out even though he was a decent right winger for most of his time here
2) Pellegrino - no need to drink expensive sparkling water, so out he went
3) Josemi - played him for a series of games; not better than Finnan, Rafa switched to Finnan as a more permanent right back for us.
4) Morientes - what a pedigree, Spanish some more.... but he does not start every game. Only striker that is almost always on the team sheet..... Crouch (a clangy Englishman).
