Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca says he wants his side must pace themselves across a "marathon" season as they prepare to face RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Wednesday.

City sit second in the Premier League and 11th in the Champions League standings but their momentum has been hindered with back-to-back league defeats.

Speaking before facing Leipzig at Red Bull Arena, Maresca said: "I said many times, this is not a short run. It's not a sprint, it's like a marathon, we need to think about 65 games and now, for me, it's very important to win games in the way we're trying to do. But it's also very important to arrive in February, March and April - when things are going to be more exciting - to have all of them fit."

Saturday's home defeat to Brighton ended striker Erling Haaland's run of scoring in nine consecutive matches.

The Norway striker had found the net 13 times in nine games, scoring over half of City's 24 goals in those matches.

Still, Maresca urged his side to not rest on Haaland's ability in front of goal.

"It's very important in each game that we are competing chances," the Italian said.

"You know he's always there and close, but at the same time we cannot rely on Erling for everything. If Erling is on the pitch, then we are happy."