Despite an awful season that has seen nine league defeats already, Benitez still believes his side can beat Spurs, Man City and Aston Villa to the final Champions League qualifying spot.
"I don't feel under pressure. I am disappointed for the season but we can still fight and still improve," said a defiant Rafa.
"Against Portsmouth we have to prove this determination and then afterwards against Lille.
"We know the season is not good enough. Every game will be important and the next one against Portsmouth is the most important as we try to get close to the top four.
"It is clear we cannot lose too many points so we have to start winning, beginning with this game.
"We know every game has to be like this but we have to have a good mentality to approach games in this way.
"Then we can go forward and start thinking about the Europa League when we have a 'cup final' against Lille. Every game in a knockout competition is like a final. That is the way."