Ligue 1 coaches backing Benzema to win the Ballon d'Or

Karim Benzema is regarded as one of the favourites to win the Ballon d'Or on November 29 in Paris, with Ligue 1 coaches of the belief that the Real Madrid striker deserves the accolade.

No French player has won the award, which is handed out by France Football, since Zinedine Zidane, who received it in 1998 after leading France all the way to World Cup glory.

"I do not know if he is the favourite, but I hope it's him [who wins it]," Nice boss Christophe Galtier said during a press conference.

"I met him [when he was] very young at Lyon and contrary to all the clichés that can be said, he is a charming boy, passionate about his work, obsessed with performance and results.

"[He is] the best in the world. I think he has raised his level even more in the last two seasons. I'm also very happy to see him perform well for France."

Asked whether Benzema deserves the Ballon d'Or, Nantes tactician Antoine Kombouare had no doubts as he hailed his compatriot.

"Yes, of course [he deserves it], given what he does for Real Madrid and for the French [national] team," Kombouare noted.

"I'm 100 percent for him to win it."

Angers coach Gerald Baticle also believes that Benzema had a great year and thus he deserves to be handed the prize.

"He deserves the Ballon d'Or," said Baticle.

"There are many who can claim to deserve it, but it would not be a disappointment to see Benzema achieve it.

"[For what he's done] throughout his entire career and especially for the season he has had, which is one of a high level.

"He is a model for all attackers. I had the opportunity to coincide with him. He is a great professional who has been very effective in recent years and [has played at] an incredible level."

Meanwhile, Rennes coach Bruno Genesio is adamant that Benzema should be offered the award for what he has offered to Real Madrid over the years.

"I think he deserves it for his season and for everything he is doing now," declared Genesio.

"He is someone I have known from a very young age, I have followed his development from a distance.

"I think he deserves it, not necessarily for the season, although he has had a great season, but for all the seasons he has had for ten years at Real Madrid.

"And when you do that at a club like that, you deserve it and, therefore, for me it is he who has to win it."

Lille tactician Jocelyn Gourvennec considers Benzema as a footballer whose contribution on the pitch should serve as example for young players.

"What [Benzema] did in the Nations League is at the level of the Ballon d'Or," stressed Gourvennec.

"He knows how to do everything and does everything very well. For young people it is good to go see Benzema.

"Because of how he runs to help his team get the ball back, everything he can do afterwards, his availability when the team has the ball.

"He is exceptional. He has what it takes to win the Ballon d'Or."

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