In this narration, the Prophet informed about the afflictions among his Companions. We all know about those afflictions what happened after the Prophet (pbuh)!
Those fellows who say that the Prophet left his nation on his own, even a person who has goats and sheep cannot leave them without care taker. We want to ask a question from those fellows, the Prophet knew exactly what will happen after him!
What was the arrangement made by the Prophet to save His nation from those afflictions?
Please read our article Sunni point of view about Caliphate.