In fact they dont need to be in the top 4 to get into the champions league. They could just be winning the europa league therefore they could get into the champions league as well next season. Which is why mourinho should be realistic when he spits out that he is focusing premier league more then europa league
With the expensive squad they have atm, both (top 4 in EPL and win Europa League) should be an easy thing to do but in fact they are strugling so hard for it. It is understandable if Mou choose to focus on EPL because there is 4 chances to qualify to Champions League next year while on other side there is only 1 chance for them in Europa League.