Diego Simeone has said this season has been his most challenging with Atletico Madrid.
Thursday's 1-1 draw at Deportivo La Coruna saw Atletico lose further ground in the title race, with Barcelona, Real Madrid and Sevilla all clear of them.
They now face a challenge on their hands to finish fourth and secure Champions League football.
Speaking at a news conference ahead of Sunday's home game against Valencia, Simeone said: "Every year is different. We have been competing very well these [recent] years and reaching our objectives too early.
"This year there are different players, younger, and all this takes time. We live under enormous demands, and we take those on.
"It has not been an easy season with injuries to Augusto [Fernandez], Tiago and [Jan] Oblak, and we have found it difficult to be consistent.
"If we can achieve all our objectives despite these difficulties, it will be a magnificent year. It would be tremendous to finish the season well."
Atletico go into Sunday's game in fifth place after Real Sociedad moved above them by winning at Real Betis on Friday.
"We focus on where we are each day -- and that means we are fifth," Simeone said.
"At the moment we are closer to fourth than third. But there are many points [to play for], and the margin for error is smaller all the time."
Valencia have had another difficult season but travel to the Calderon having won three of their last four games, including beating Real Madrid last week.
"Valencia are playing well," Simeone said. "They are an opponent in form, and we will have to play well."