Roberto Martinez (R) says Swansea did the right thing in their approach to finding a successor to Garry Monk (L)

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has defended former club Swansea over accusations they sacked Garry Monk without a plan for his replacement.

The South Wales club have earned a reputation for being well-run under chairman Hew Jenkins, who appointed Martinez back in 2007, but appeared to lose their way briefly after Monk was dismissed in early December.

A fruitless trip to South America failed to persuade Marcelo Bielsa to move to the Premier League and under Alan Curtis' caretaker stint they picked up just five points from six matches before finally appointing former Udinese boss Francesco Guidolin as head coach on Monday.

Roberto Martinez has guaranteed Everton fans that none of the team's key players will be sold in the January window. Roberto Martinez has guaranteed Everton fans that none of the team's key players will be sold in the January window.

However, speaking ahead of the Super Sunday clash between the sides, Martinez insists the Swans approached their search in the right way.

"I wouldn't agree that you have to follow a plan in order to change a manager," he said. "It was an honest decision which they felt they needed to make and then went into a process to try to identify the new man.

"I don't think that is wrong. I feel it is wrong when you are in your job and you feel the club is moving actively to replace the man who is taking the team to win a game.

Francesco Guidolin was named as new Swansea boss on Monday

"If you are asking me I prefer a football club who identify a problem, act and then move into step two. I don't think it is correct from a human values point of view that you replace a manager before you get rid of the current one - I don't think that is right at all."

Four men have been in charge of Swansea in less than two years - Michael Laudrup, Monk, Curtis and now Guidolin - and Martinez believes that may be contributing to them struggling this season.

Alan Curtis is one of four men to have been in charge of Swansea in the last two years

"If you are asking me what way of managing is more effective it is when you have continuity," he said.

"In the modern game we are inclined to chop and change and not have too much of a path for teams to develop.

"I think it is a real shame but I am sure it will turn around and go back to the most effective manner, which is supporting a manager and understanding how difficult winning games on a consistent basis is."