The Reds lost 3-1 to Fulham on Saturday and are set for a Champions League decider this week.
Benitez said: “I don’t agree when people say that you have to win trophies.
“I always say you have to be there, you have to be close, you have to create a group of players who can fight for trophies.
“We got 86 points last season, yet some people were saying that it wasn’t good because we finished second.
“I think reducing the gap between the top team and Liverpool to four points was a massive achievement.
“Trophies mean a lot to everyone. But the most important thing is to see progression and evidence that you are improving and able to fight for trophies.
“It’s not just about one year. It is about what we can achieve in the future.
“People say that I have now been here five years. I say, look at the differences here now.
“Look at the value of the club before compared to the value of the club now.
“Look at the value of the squad before compared to the value of the squad now. You can see the progression.”
