Mark Viduka has turned on former Socceroos and Leeds United manager Terry Venables, saying Leeds became stale under his leadership.

Viduka has scored eight goals in the five matches since Venables was replaced by Peter Reid, helping Leeds inch away from the relegation zone.

And while the Australian striker has had run-ins with Reid off the field, he said Venables robbed the club of its passion.

"Under Venables it was very tactical and technical. Reid has brought in a fresh, positive attitude that has worked wonders," Viduka said.

"You can see the difference in the way we're playing and training. The sessions are great and have helped lay the foundations for us.

"Perhaps it got a bit stale under Terry Venables and certainly the passion was missing.

"Now we're working so much harder as a team, we're all fighting for each other and we are beginning to intimidate opponents, just like the Leeds of old."

Viduka managed just nine goals in the 27 English Premier League soccer games under Venables and struggled to maintain a regular place in the starting side.

But he feels he is getting back to his best, despite a "rollicking" from Reid for turning up late to training and Tuesday night's match against Fulham in which Viduka scored two goals.

"I had some problems early on with Terry Venables - he dropped me for a few games," Viduka said.

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