John Mousinho understands the frustration felt over a Pompey play-off bid that has faded over the past couple of weeks.
A run of four draws in succession means they are seven points adrift of sixth spot with just three games remaining.
It leaves seemingly little to play for in the fixtures against Accrington, Derby and Wycombe that bring the 2022/23 campaign to a close.
But Mousinho wants to see his side perform with pride and ensure they can add a few more points on the board.
The Blues boss said: “We’re obviously disappointed with the results and not picking up the number of points we wanted to make something of the season.
“Ultimately, it was always going to be a big ask for to make the play-offs and we just weren’t able to do that.
“The club don’t want to be in this league, but it’s a difficult one to get out of. At my first supporter meeting after arriving at the club, I was asked how we were going to get out of the relegation fight!
“I completely understand that the ambitions of the club are to get into the Championship – everyone shares that, not just the fans.
"It’s important that we finish the season strongly – we owe it to ourselves and everyone associated with the club."
“We know exactly what the remit is here, but there’s no magic wand and we won’t be pressing the panic button.
“Now it’s important that we finish the season strongly – we owe it to ourselves and everyone associated with the club.
“The intention whenever we set foot on the pitch is to produce our best performance and try to win the game.
“It’s important for momentum going into next season that we knuckle down, put on some positive displays and pick up some points.”
Saturday’s opponents Accrington are currently in the drop zone and battling to preserve their League One status.
Mousinho said: “We played them recently under very different circumstances – it was a snowy Tuesday night up at their place. Hopefully it will be a nicer April afternoon on Saturday!
“As much as we can take from that game, they’ve also changed their shape since we’ve last played them.
“Accrington are scrapping for their lives at the bottom of the table and are going to need a win to push themselves towards safety.
“They’ve always managed to get themselves out of trouble in the past and we know they’re still a dangerous side. We should expect a fight.”